Manila Standard - 2018 October 14 - Sunday by Manila Standard

VOL. XXXII • NO. 241 • 4 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

PH KEEPS UNHRC SEAT REELECTION REPUDIATES CRITICS OF DRUG WAR, SAYS DFA CHIEF

By Vito Barcelo

ALACAÑANG and outgoing Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano welcomed the Philippines’ reelection to another three-year term in the United Nations Human Rights Council, with the former saying this manifested the country’s continuing war on illegal drugs did not violate human rights.

Some 3,000 people have been killed since Rodrigo Duterte won the presidential elections in 2016 where he vowed to stop illegal drugs in the country. Duterte had said the war on drugs was necessary to prevent the country becoming a

“narco-state.” “[The] vote of 165 out of the 192 votes cast by memberstates is a recognition that our government respects human rights and will not tolerate abuse by those in authority,” Palace spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

He said that getting a seat in the UNHRC was a repudiation of the critics and detractors of Duterte’s unrelenting war against illegal drugs. The country will be among 47-member states of the council from 2019 to 2021, following its election in 2015. Turn to A2

WORLD BODY SPARKS UPROAR OVER 3 PICKS GENEVA—Bahrain, Cameroon and the Philippines were among nations controversially elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council on Friday, sparking sharp criticism from rights groups and the United States. Around a third of seats on the 47-member council, based in Geneva, were open for slots lasting from 2019-2022. A 97-vote majority from the 193 nations that make up the UN’s General Assembly is needed for approval. For the first time since the council was created in 2006, each voting Turn to A2

ENTERTAINMENT/ D3

MARKET MORES.

In Myanmar’s Inle Lake, renowned for its floating market and quality hand-woven silk fabrics some 591 kms north of the capital of Yangon, merchants bring their wares to the once-every-fivedays market behind the Hpaung Daw U Pagoda. Locals come here to buy everything they need— from safety pins to traditional medicines and even edible crunchy ants that are mildly sour to the taste. Joyce Pañares

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2018

5 KOREAN ACTORS

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FILM ON DRUG WAR SCREENS IN BUSAN

SOUTH METRO POLITICAL CLANS SEEK FRESH MANDATES By Joel E. Zurbano THREE powerful political families in southern Metro Manila—the Cayetanos of Taguig City, the Calixtos in Pasay City, and the Binays of Makati City—want to continue what their earlier generations have started and make needed improvements to further uplift the lives of their constituents. For the May 2019 midterm elections, three Cayetanos, led by outgoing Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, are vying for positions in Taguig. Alan Peter is reportedly making a comeback as representative of the Taguig-Pateros district, while his brother Lino Edgardo, a television director and former Taguig congressman, is joining the mayoralty race. He would replace sister-in-law and incumbent Mayor Ma. Laarni “Lani” Cayetano, Alan Peter’s wife, who is serving her third and last term as city chief executive. Incumbent Taguig City Rep. Pia Cayetano is also gunning for a Senate seat in the midterm polls, as she and brother Alan Peter both served in the upper chamber during the 14th Congress. Their father, the late Renato Luna Cayetano—popularly known as “Compañero”because of the popular public affairs talk show “Compañero y Compañera” in the ‘90s—also served as senator from 1998 to 2003. Alan Peter, the running mate of eventual President Rodrigo Duterte in the 2016 presidential elections, is reportedly seeking the leadership role of the House of Representatives if he wins next year. He said President Duterte agreed it would be better if the Foreign Affairs chief serves as House Speaker to help the administration achieve its goals. “We had a heart-to-heart talk, and we both agreed that a role in Congress and a leadership position in Congress would be good in terms of pursuing that vision. With all humility, I will seek another term in my hometown, Taguig-Pateros, the district of Taguig and Pateros, and then let’s see where it goes from there,” he said. Alan Peter still had three more years to serve as a senator when he accepted Duterte’s appointment to head the Department of Foreign Affairs in May 2017. Meanwhile, Lino Edgardo Cayetano said he wants to improve all the programs and projects initiated by his sister-in-law Lani as mayor. He is running alongside incumbent Taguig City Vice Mayor Ricardo “Ading” Cruz. The Cayetanos are planning to file their certificates of candidacy early this week.

HERALD THE SEASON. Decorations are put up to start the countdown for Christmas at the central business district in Makati City. Ey Acasio

‘ICC PULLOUT WON’T AFFECT WPS CLAIM’

By Vito Barcelo

HE Philippines’ withdrawal from the International Criminal Court will not affect the country’s claim over the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea, because China is not a member country of The Haguebased international court. The Palace made the statement Saturday after Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said that withdrawing from the ICC would weaken the Philippines’ stance, in case China invades Scarborough Shoal and puts up military establishments there. New Palace spokesman Salvador

Panelo said nothing connects the two issues. “I don’t see any connection,”Panelo said, referring to China’s alleged plan to take over the WPS. President Rodrigo Duterte previously announced that the Philippines is withdrawing its ratification of the Rome Statute, which established the

ICC, due to “baseless, unprecedented and outrageous attacks” against him and his administration. Duterte also reasoned that the Rome Statute is not affecting the country, as it was never published in the Official Gazette despite being ratified by the Philippines. Panelo said the Philippines does not need the Rome Statute, as the country’s courts are functioning smoothly. The Rome Statute was created so there would be a vehicle, the ICC, to prosecute countries perceived to be led by tyrants or violators of heinous crimes. Panelo said the ICC has no jurisdiction over territorial disputes.

DOUSE THE BLAZE. Firefighters train their hoses at a blaze in Barangay Nangka in Marikina City, where around 50 houses were gutted on Saturday. Manny Palmero

GOVT: P109M SET ASIDE FOR CENTENARIANS By Maricel V. Cruz THE national government has set aside another P109 million to pay for the P100,000 cash gift of 1,090 Filipinos who will turn a century old next year, an opposition lawmaker said on Saturday. “The fresh funding is already in the

budget of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the proposed General Appropriations Act for 2019 that we passed,” said Makati City Rep. Luis Campos Jr., House appropriations committee member, as he applauded all centenarians for “lives well lived.” As of Aug. 31, the DSWD has awarded

P468.8 million in cash to 4,688 Filipinos who turned 100 years old since the passage of the Centenarians Act in 2016, according to Campos. Under the law, every Filipino who reaches 100 years old, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, is entitled to a P100,000 one-time cash gift, a

letter from the President of the Philippines congratulating the centenarian for his or her longevity, and a plaque of recognition. The entitlements are on top of other rewards and benefits that centenarians may receive from their local governments.

EX-DRUG USER ON DU30 LIST RUNS FOR COUNCILOR ILIGAN CITY—A former drug personality, who was once on President Rodrigo Duterte’s watchlist, was the first to file his certificate of candidacy at the Commission on Elections office here as an independent candidate for the City Council. Jeffrey Rebleza, who is a second-term village councilor in Barangay Poblacion here, filed his COC on Oct. 11 but had to refile it after the City Comelec found that he inadvertently used the old COC form. Assistant Election Officer Dimasirang Tomas said Friday the new COC form for the 2019 midterm elections has been amended. “The new form also has additional questions that need to be answered. We

told him [Rebleza] to fill up the new form,” Tomas explained. Rebleza, who is engaged in construction, said he immediately filled up another form that was accepted by the Comelec. It was not the first time for Rebleza, an admitted former drug user, to taste rejection. In the last barangay elections, his colleagues dropped him from their slate because of his history with illegal drug use. However, Rebleza said he has already changed his ways and has been “clean”for a long time. He also maintained that he was never engaged in selling illegal drugs. When his name was included on Duterte’s drug watchlist in 2016, the barangay councilor said he immediately

surrendered to the Philippine National Police. As a result, he said the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has already dropped his name from the watchlist. Rebleza, who was elected village chairman in 1993, admitted that his bout with illegal drugs had once cost him the trust of his constituents. He said he served as coordinator of the youth affairs office of the local government unit from 2003 to 2009 but was fired because he got hooked on illegal drugs. “I believe all of us have an undesirable past and I believe we are capable of changing our lives for good. I believe my only mistake was being a drug user, but I did not kill, and I did not steal. I am now

going straightforward,” he said. Meanwhile, the local Comelec office said it rejected the COC of a mayoral aspirant after he checked all the boxes in the form. Tomas, the assistant City Comelec officer, said Manuel Battung’s COC was rejected after he checked all the boxes instead of choosing only the appropriate ones. Battung even checked the “yes” box on the question if he has ever been “found liable for an offense, which carries with it the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification to hold public office, which has become final and executory.” “We advised him to fill up a new form but [he] did not return,”Tomas said. PNA

BUSAN, South Korea—The Philippines’ rich history of political and socially conscious cinema was on display this week at Asia’s largest movie gathering, shadowed by the controversy over President Rodrigo Duterte and his deadly drug war. Busan International Film Festival delivered a record number of features from the nation, which has a turbulent political past, widespread poverty and is in the international eye due to condemnation of the President’s narcotics crackdown. The 19 offerings gave an unflinching dive into the country’s frailties and obsessions, including its political landscape. As the event closed Saturday, Duterte’s leadership was fiercely criticized by Filipino director Mike de Leon, whose latest was screened at BIFF. “My country has hit rock bottom... again,”he wrote on Facebook.“We have de facto become a dictatorship again, in everything but name.” He was referring to the rule of Ferdinand Marcos who used martial law from 1972-1981 to shutter the legislature, muzzle the free press and jail or kill opponents. While Duterte has sky-high approval among Filipinos, according to polls, opponents charge he has resorted to similar abuses since taking power in 2016. AFP

OIL FIRMS REVERSE GEAR, CUT PRICES By Alena Mae S. Flores THE country’s oil players rolled back pump prices by as much as P0.85 per liter over the weekend, ending several weeks of consecutive price hikes. Petron Corp. announced a price cut of P0.85 per liter for gasoline, P0.65 per liter for diesel and P0.20 per liter for kerosene effective 6 am Monday. “These reflect movements in the international oil market,” Petron said. Petron’s announcement followed the price advisory of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines late Friday of a price rollback of P0.80 per liter for gasoline and P0.60 per liter for diesel effective 12:01 am Oct. 13. Pilipinas Shell followed suit. Last Oct. 9, the oil companies implemented a per liter price increase of P1 for gasoline, P1.35 for kerosene and P1.45 for diesel. Turn to A2

PENTAGON’S NEW THREAT: OBESITY CRISIS FORGET about the high-tech military challenges from China and Russia, the Pentagon is facing a fast-growing national security threat that could be even trickier to tackle: America’s obesity crisis. A study released this week has found that nearly one-third of young Americans are now too overweight to join up, a worrying statistic for military officials already facing recruitment challenges. “Obesity has long threatened our nation’s health. As the epidemic grows, obesity is posing a threat to our nation’s security as well,” the Council for a Strong America states in its new report. The Army last month announced it would miss its goal of attracting 76,500 new recruits in 2018. The shortfall is of about 6,500 soldiers—the first time since 2005 the service had missed its hiring targets. A strong US economy and tight jobs market played a role, but the numbers highlight the dwindling pool of applicants the Pentagon has to draw from. AFP

PCOO TO LIVE ON UNTIL NEW OFFICE IS FORMED —PANELO THE Presidential Communications and Operations Office, under Secretary Martin Andanar, will continue to function until the Office of the Press Secretary is established, Presidential Legal Counsel and new Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo clarified on Saturday. Panelo, who was named as President Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesperson in place of senatorial candidate Harry Roque, said the PCOO with Andanar at the helm will be operational until the OPS is recreated. “Atty. Roque will run for the Senate, while PCOO secretary Andanar is likely to get a new post as political adviser,” Panelo said. Earlier, Duterte said he wants Panelo to head the OPS, which would cause the abolition of the PCOO. In his speech last Oct. 4, Duterte said he would offer a new position to Roque, saying the erstwhile spokesman has a slim chance of taking a seat in the Senate in the midterm elections. Roque said he would consider the President’s proposal, as the post being offered is not yet existing. The abolition of PCOO came after Senate President Vicente Sotto III proposed the reestablishment of the OPS due to numerous controversies and blunders the PCOO committed, some by controversial Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson, who has resigned. Vito Barcelo

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DUQUE LAUDS HEALTH CARE BILL'S OKAY HEALTH Secretary Francisco Duque III heaped praises on the Senate on Saturday for approving the Universal Health Care Bill on third and final reading. Duque, in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, beamed nationwide, said the Universal Health Care Bill would give Filipinos more access to health care services and benefits through the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and upgrading of service delivery. According to him, it is a must that the needs of all Filipinos be funded. Under the Universal Health Care concept, there will be a unified and consolidated administration of funds for better accountability. Patients need not go through various government agencies to get funding to cover health costs, and need only to transact with PhilHealth, he told dzBB. If signed into law, the Universal Health Care Act will also allow health services to be upgraded. This will entail establishing more barangay health stations, since only 50 percent of barangays have health stations, with each barangay station serving 5,000 people. Duque said the Universal Health Care bill, if signed into law, would also call for increased efforts for health promotion and disease prevention intervention such as immunization, hygiene services, and sanitation. There will be environmental risk assessment and wellness programs. The curriculum taught to students will also be checked to see if these adequately cover health matters. “We will be moving from a system used to be taking care of the sick to keeping people healthy,” Duque added. He added most Filipinos would only go to hospitals when they were already seriously sick, adding patients should seek consultation early on at primary health care stations.

PRICE-BUSTING MEASURES NOW IN PLACE, PALACE SAYS By Vito Barcelo

HE Duterte administration has implemented measures to lessen the impact of inflation so that every Filipino family could buy basic commodities, particularly rice, Malacañang spokesman Salvador Panelo said. He was reacting to the Social Weather Stations recent survey that showed many Filipino families experienced hunger in the past three months. “We are fully aware of what the public feels with regards to (sic) the rising prices of basic commodities. The President has issued measures, among them is allowing the importation of more rice,” Panelo said Saturday. He said President Duterte signed Administrative Order 13 last month to streamline procedures on the importation of agricultural products including rice. The SWS survey said the number of families that experienced hunger increased by 3.9 points to 13.3 percent, equivalent to 3.1 million families, during the third quarter of 2018. The 2018 third quarter hunger figures were the highest since 2017’s fourth quarter of 15.9 percent. According to the SWS survey, more Filipino families have experi-

enced involuntary hunger at least once a day due to lack of food to eat in the past three months. The survey said the number of families that experienced hunger increased by 3.9 points to 13.3 percent, equivalent to 3.1 million families, during 2018’s third quarter. The survey was conducted last Sept. 15-23, stating that among 1,500 respondents, the survey found 13.3 percent or an estimated 3.1 million families experienced involuntary hunger at least once in the past three months. According to the SWS, the measure of hunger refers to involuntary suffering because the respondents answered a survey question that specified hunger due to lack of food to eat. Of those who experienced involuntary hunger during 2018’s third quarter, 10.6 percent or 2.5 million families experienced moderate hunger, or experienced hunger once or a few times during the quarter.

The remaining 2.8 percent, or at least around 643,000 families, experienced severe hunger, or experienced hunger either often or always. The moderate-hunger figure of 10.6 percent is 2.5 points higher than the second quarter’s 8.1 percent, and were the highest since the 12.2 percent during 2017’s fourth quarter. Severe hunger also rose during the third quarter and at 2.8 percent was 1.5 points higher than the previous quarter’s 1.3 percent. The third quarter severe hunger figure was also the highest since the 3.7 percent during 2017’s fourth quarter. It increased in Metro Manila by one point, from 12 percent in June to 13 percent in September; by three points in the rest of Luzon, from 6 percent to 9 percent; and Mindanao by seven points from 9 percent to 16 percent. It decreased by 3.3 points in the Visayas from 9.3 percent to 6 percent. Hunger also rose in Mindanao during 2018’s third quarter, and was up to 18.3 percent from the previous quarter’s 11.3 percent. Mindanao’s moderate hunger numbers rose to 16 percent in the third quarter compared to the second quarter’s nine percent. Severe hunger was, meanwhile, unchanged at 2.3 percent. Poor families were the most affected, with hunger rising to 18.5 percent during the third quarter, the highest

since 2017’s fourth quarter, from the previous quarter’s 12.6 percent. Hunger also rose to 7.6 percent from 6.5 percent among the nonpoor. Among the self-rated food poor, hunger rose to 22.3 percent from the second quarter’s 14.8 percent, while it also rose to 8.2 percent from 6.7 percent among the not food-poor/ food-borderline. The third quarter 2018 SWS hunger poll was taken from September 15 to 23, 2018, using face-to-face interviews of 1,500 adults. In a statement, Panelo said measures implemented by the government would lower the price of basic food products for Filipino consumers since certain administrative requirements unduly added to the cost of importation and limit food supply. “The President has signed Memorandum Order 26, 27, and 28, all of which are measures to stabilize prices of basic agricultural commodities at reasonable levels, maintain their sufficient supply in the domestic market, and provide effective and sufficient protection to consumers against hoarding, profiteering, and cartels with respect to the supply, distribution, marketing, and pricing of said goods, “ he said. Panelo hoped these measures would lesssen the impact of inflation and help the public buy basic goods at lower price.

WORLD BODY...

From A1

region agreed in advance on 18 candidates to be in the running for 18 seats— removing any competition. New members Bahrain, Cameroon, the Philippines, Somalia, Bangladesh and Eritrea were elected with between 160 and 178 votes—and immediately drew criticism from activists in Europe and North America dismissing them as“unqualified” due to their human rights records. “By putting forward serious rights violators and presenting only as many candidates as seats available, the regional groups risk undermining the council’s credibility and effectiveness,” said New York-based Human Rights Watch. Louis Charbonneau, the group’s UN director, called the vote “ridiculous” and said on Twitter it “makes mockery of (the) word ‘election.’” At the start of the voting session, the General Assembly’s president, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, noted that every member state is allowed to apply for a seat. Her spokesman later declined to directly address the criticism, but instead noted: “It’s clear that the world expects that members of international bodies will abide to a certain set of standards of behavior consistent with the bodies they have been elected to.” Five of the new members were from Africa, five from Asia, two from eastern Europe, three from Latin America and the Caribbean, and three from western Europe. The United States pulled out of the council in June, calling the organization a “hypocritical” body that “makes a mockery of human rights,” in particular in regard to its stance on Israel. Nikki Haley, who this week announced her resignation as US ambassador to the UN, said Friday’s vote demonstrates why the US was right to withdraw. “Yet again, countries with poor human rights records ran uncontested. This lack of standards continues to undermine the organization,” she said. “The United States will continue to support reforms that would make the Human Rights Council credible.” AFP

OIL FIRMS...

From A1

Year-to-date total adjustments stand at a net increase of P10.55 per liter for gasoline, P11.50 per liter for diesel and P10.50 per liter for kerosene. As of Oct. 9, gasoline sells from P53.55 to P61.35 per liter while diesel sells from P47.05 to P56.35 per liter. Kerosene is sold from P51.17 to P61.30 per liter. World oil prices have been affected by reports of lower demand for 2019 due to a weaker economic outlook, trade concerns, high oil prices amid increased refinery capacity additions, among others.

BIODIVERSITY SECURITY. Senator Cynthia Villar gives participants Saturday in the series of dialogues on how to secure biodiversity, protection and conservation of the environment during a tour of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park. The participants are in the country on the invitation of the Asean Center for Biodiversity, which is hosting the Asia Multi-Actor Dialogue Seminars to Build Socio-ecological Resilience through the Incorporation of Eco-system-based Solutions in Nationally Determined Contributions.

PH KEEPS...

From A1

The Philippines first served in the Council from 2007 to 2009, and then from 2012 to 2014. Cayetano, who will be succeeded by Ambassador Teodoro Locsin Jr., welcomed the development, after international group Human Rights Watch called on the UN body to reject the Philippines’ reelection bid. “Our successful bid to keep our seat in the Council is proof that many in the international community remain convinced the Philippines respects and protects human rights and have seen through the efforts of some to politicize and weaponize the issue,” Cayetano said in a statement. The HRW had said UN countries must show their outrage against the Philippines and Eritrea by keeping them off the council. The group cited the administration’s drug war, citing more than 12,000 sus-

pected drug dealers have been killed in anti-drug operations—a huge jump from the government data showing 4,000 have been neutralized—as well as the attacks on human rights defenders. “Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s abusive ‘war on drugs’ has been a killing frenzy that has left thousands dead,” the HRW said. The group also cited the bundle of verbal attacks against UN representatives such as Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial killings Agnes Callamard and High Commissioner Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, who have made public statements against the administration’s war on drugs. But Cayetano said critics of the Philippine government’s war against drugs are merely being loud to solicit more funds from donors. Panelo said the country’s reelection proved that Duterte’s unrelenting cam-

paign against illegal drugs, corruption, and criminality had been acknowledged by the international community. “The community of nations has viewed the drug menace as a global problem requiring its utmost attention in forcefully dealing with it and forging a united front against the purveyors of its proliferation across the frontiers of the world,”Panelo said. “We thank and commend the UN Human Rights Council, as well as the States that supported our country’s bid, for affirming the Philippines’ brand of human rights advocacy under the Duterte administration as truly responsive to our people’s needs and aspirations for a better and more dignified life,” he added. The UN General Assembly also elected the following member-states: Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Czech Republic, Denmark, Eritrea, Fiji, India, Italy, Somalia, Togo and Uruguay.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights, through spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia, in a statement said the CHR welcomed the country’s winning a seat in the UNHRC. But she pointed out, “Earning a seat in the council puts pressure on the Philippine government to address allegations of human rights violations, starting with the growing cases of extrajudicial killings purportedly linked to the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.” She also stressed that the country’s credibility in the UN body would be defined by the present administration’s ability to address rights violations issues. “The Philippines’ credibility to be part of this body rests on its ability to effect actions that will concretely address these allegations, in line with its mandate of promote, protect, and fulfill the human rights of all and not just of a select few,” De Guia added.

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COMELEC WARNS JV ON USING ‘ESTRADA’ IN POLLS

Ejercito.

SING ‘Estrada’ as a surname in the ballot will probably not work for reelectionist Senator JV

Commission on Elections spokesperson James Jimenez said if Ejercito decides to change his surname to Estrada for the coming midterm electons, he might be declared a nuisance candidate. Ejercito, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada’s son with San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez, had said that he plans to use “Estrada” as a nickname in the certificate of candidacy that he would file. Ejercito ranked no. 14 in a September survey

by the Social Weather Stations and was in the 11-17 range in a Pulse Asia survey on senatorial preferences from the same month. But Jimenez said that Ejercito’s plan might not sit well with other candidates, especially his halfbrother Jinggoy Estrada, who is also gunning for a seat in the Senate. Jinggoy was released on bail last year after being detained for more than 3 years on graft and plunder charges for his alleged involvement in the multi-billion-peso Priority Development Assistance Fund scam. “If he does put Estrada, is someone gonna complain? That’s not for us to decide,” Jimenez said in a television interview. Jimenez said there is always a possibility that Jinggoy Estrada will file a complaint on the matter. “That’s what Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano did

when someone filed a COC saying his name was ‘Peter Cayetano.’That’s one of the grounds for nuisance.” “This is a sitting senator, someone you know, but again, someone might have a colorable claim to say that that’s not his actual name, he’s not known as that. It’s something that can happen,” he said. Jimenez said the Comelec would decide “based on the appropriateness of the name being suggested, based on the number of spaces, whether or not it will cause confusion.” Jimenez said that while Comelec has had several cases where people with the same last name vie for the same position, “what potentially makes this different is that one of the parties has not customarily used this name,” he said. “Someone else might have a claim that you shouldn’t be able to use that because of other circumstances. That’s a possibility, we’ll see what happens,” he said.

LAWMAKERS LAUD LOCSIN’S APPOINTMENT AS DFA CHIEF LAWMAKERS on Saturday hailed the appointment of Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations Teodoro Locsin as the next secretary of Foreign Affairs. Reps. Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. of Quezon City, Rodolfo Albano III of Isabela, Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar, and Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte, said Locsin is fit for the job given his track record as a lawyer, public servant and newspaperman. Locsin will replace Alan Peter Cayetano, who is running for congressman of Taguig. He will reportedly aim for the Speakership upon the order of President Rodrigo Duterte. “Teddy Boy’s stint as our UN Ambassador, member of Congress, media man of [the late President Corazon Aquino] and other experiences certainly makes him a good choice. Aside from his experiences, he is articulate... a fighter. I endorse [the] choice,” Belmonte, former Speaker, said. Also expressing support for Locsin, Albano said: He [Locsin] is the best man for the job.” “He has the vision and the capability to push the foregn policy of the Duterte administration,” Albano said. Evardone, chairman of the House Committee on Public Information, shared the view of Belmonte and Albano. “He is very competent and high capable in handling diplomatic affairs,” said Evardone, a former journalist. Barbers, chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, said Locsin’s appointment was a “good choice.” “He is intelligent and brilliant; and witty, too.... I am sure he will charm his counterparts.” President Duterte said Friday he has chosen Locsin to replace Cayetano as Foreign Affairs secretary. Maricel V. Cruz

GREETINGS. Members of the Iglesia ni Cristo gathered outside the Central temple in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City to greet their Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo. Manny Palmero

ROMUALDEZ THANKS COLLEAGUES FOR PASSING BILL FOR PWDS By Maricel V. Cruz LEYTE Rep. Yedda Marie Kittilstvedt Romualdez has expressed gratitude to her colleagues in the House of Representatives, particularly Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, for approving a measure granting mandatory Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to all persons with disabilities. Romualdez, chairman of the House Committee on Accounts, co-authored House Bill 8014 or “An Act Providing For The Mandatory PhilHealth Coverage Of All Persons With Disability (PWD),” said she hopes the Senate will be just as enthusiastic as the House in promoting the welfare of the PWDs. “We thank our colleagues for approving the measure that provides for the mandatory PhilHealth coverage for all registered PWDs. Voting for the measure proved their concern for the PWDs,” said Romualdez, a nurse. Romualdez, wife of Philippine Constitution Association president and former Leyte congressman Martin Romualdez and vice chairperson of the House committee on govern-

ment enterprises and privatization, said the bill’s enactment will surely help alleviate their conditions. Last week, the House approved HB 8014 by an overwhelming 204 vote. The bill, principally authored by Rep. Micaela Violago of Nueva Ecija, amends Republic Act 7277, as amended, otherwise known as the “Magna Carta For Persons With Disability.” Republic Act 10645 provides mandatory PhilHealth coverage to all senior citizens. Violago said that based on a World Health Organization article, people with disabilities, though having the same health needs as non-disabled people, have less access to health care services and therefore experience unmet health care needs. “The article further states that evidence also suggests that people with disabilities face barriers in accessing the health and rehabilitation services they need in many settings. This should not be the case,” she said. Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. of Ako-Bicol Party-list, also the bill’s co-author, said that based on the latest avail-

able data from the 2010 Philippine Census, almost 1.5 million household population in the country or about 1.57 percent had disability. “This number is expected to have increased by 2015 Philippine Census data, if PWDs were not left out. While there are many PWDs employed, many are unemployed and are dependent on the income of other family members,” Garbin said. The bill states that “All persons with disability (PWD) not currently afforded health insurance under any existing category shall be covered by the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).” The bill provides the funds required for the effective implementation of the Act shall be obtained from the National Health Insurance Fund of PhilHealth earmarked from the proceeds of Republic Act No. 10351, otherwise known as “An Act Restructuring The Excise Tax On Alcohol And Tobacco Products” in accordance with pertinent laws and regulations.

ESTABLISHMENTS TOLD TO COMPLY WITH NEW RULES AS ‘BORA’ REOPENS

MIKEY RUNS AGAIN. Former party-list Rep. Mikey Arroyo filed his COC for the second congressional district of Pampanga with his wife, Angela, daughters Mika and Monique, accompanied by local leaders and supporters at the Comelec office of the Pampanga Provincial Capitol in San Fernando City Friday afternoon.

WHEN Boracay Island formally reopens on Oct. 26, authorities said that establishments that fail to comply with government regulations in the tourist destination should “delete” online promotional materials and stop booking rooms until complete compliance with government regulations. This was the guideline issued by the Department of Tourism, which warned that non-compliant hotels and other establishments that accept bookings will face the “full force of law.” In an advisory in its Facebook page, the DOT said non-compliant establishments “are hereby strongly advised to cease and desist from making room bookings or sale of occupancy starting Oct. 26, 2018 onward.” “All online promotions and other related collateral should be deleted or put on hold until complete compliance with government regulations shall

have been accomplished,” the statement read. “Those found violating the terms of this advisory shall be dealt with full force of law,” the DOT added. The DoT reported that as of Oct. 12, 68 out of the estimated 600 resorts and accommodations in Boracay have complied with government requirements and have been authorized to receive guests when the island reopens. Under the island’s new rules set by the Interior and Environment departments, establishments should keep its facilities at least 30 meters away from the island’s waters, and must either have their own sewage treatment facility or be connected to authorized sewage lines. Boracay, which President Rodrigo Duterte described as a ‘cesspool’ was closed to tourists in April for six months for rehabilitation.

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BOC EXEC VOWS TO INTENSIFY CAMPAIGN VS SMUGGLED DRUGS By Joel E. Zurbano COLLECTOR Carmelita Talusan, the Customs chief at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, vowed she and her men will continue and intensify the bureau’s campaign against the illegal entry of prohibited drugs and other contraband even there are risks involved. “We just focus and we know what our function regardless of the risk and threats. We just focus on our jobs and we are also doing this for the good of our country,” Talusan told Manila Standard. Sources at the airport revealed that some Customs operatives at the NAIA were receiving threats from unknown individuals following the series of anti-drug operations at the airport and its bonded warehouse, and at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City. They said the criminals also dared to smuggle illegal substance despite the ongoing drug war in the country initiated by the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. In just six months, agents of the Customs-NAIA made a total of 27 drug busts, the most recent of which was the seizure of P27.5 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, cocaine and cannabis seized in separate occasions at CMEC. The contraband include different packages of P850,000 worth of marijuana (500 grams) concealed in portable heater, P14.3 million of shabu declared as baby dress and birthday card, and P12.3 million worth of cocaine declared as supplementary sheet, which were already turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for proper disposition. Last Oct. 4, Talusan presented P15.4 million worth of prohibited drugs smuggled at CMEC and Fedex warehouse. Seized were 2.21 kilos of shabu, 48 oil ampules and 12 pieces of small plastic container with jelly marmalade that were found to have cannabis or marijuana content, and several boxes of Valium and Mogadon, concealed in five packages. The illegal drugs from Thailand, USA, Africa, and Pakistan were hidden in foot and calf massager, religious frame, letter, boxing gloves and baseball jersey and clothes.

PINOYS CELEBRATE 101ST YEAR OF MIRACLE OF THE SUN By Ben Cal THE “Miracle of the Sun” that occurred during the 6th Apparition of Fatima on Oct. 13, 1917, and was witnessed by over 70,000 people in Portugal, was a manifestation of God’s almighty power and humility to save mankind from eternal damnation. Filipino Catholics join fellow Catholics around the world to commemorate the 101st anniversary of the “Miracle of the Sun” that swirled and danced in a circle in broken clouds, as reported by a Lisbon newspaper in Portugal a day after the historic spectacle happened. As its consequence, many believed God’s existence through the apparition of the Blessed Mother to the three shepherd children at Fatima. Church records show that the apparition of the Blessed Mother before the three shepherds—Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco—on Oct. 13, 1917 was her sixth, fulfilling her promise earlier to show to the world that a miracle would happen so mankind would believe in God. In the Philippines, the only Catholic country in Asia, there are many churches named after the Fatima. It was during these apparitions that the Blessed Mother also called the world to repent for its sin and pray the Holy Rosary daily. So, on Oct. 13, 1917, or 101 years ago, the “Miracle of the Sun” occurred. The apparition at Fatima was also seen by people living in adjoining areas as far as 25 kilometers away. “The sun painted the world in different colors, [as it] moved and danced in the sky,” a witness, Ti Marto, the father of Jacinta and Francisco, said. “The miracle told the world of God’s huge humility. The strange nature of the Miracle of the Sun—a spectacular public miracle that was announced ahead of time—is hard to exaggerate,” said Tom Hoopes, a famous American writer. PNA

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FILM ON DRUG WAR SCREENS IN BUSAN

HERALD THE SEASON. Decorations are put up to start the countdown for Christmas at the central business district in Makati City. Ey Acasio

‘ICC PULLOUT WON’T AFFECT WPS CLAIM’

By Vito Barcelo

DOUSE THE BLAZE. Firefighters train their hoses at a blaze in Barangay Nangka in Marikina City, where around 50 houses were gutted on Saturday. Manny Palmero

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2018

Opinion

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

SOUNDS OF SCIENCE

MIRROR OF DEMOCRACY

ILING of certiﬁcates of candidacy has begun in this country, sometimes described as a place where politics, apart from cockﬁghting, is a favorite pastime.

Like it or not, the political season in this nation of 106 million always arouses the out-and-out adrenaline rush among the voting population and, sometimes, even among the still non-voters who cannot be checked from having their own choices for particular elective positions. The Philippines, a representative democracy since the restoration of Independence in 1946, preceded by the Commonwealth from 1935 to 1945, has been holding elections to choose its national as well as local leaders. This right to vote, embodied in the electoral process, is part of the formal decision-making mechanism by which nearly 61 million voters at home

PECIER DECIERDO

CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE SCIENCE OF COMMUNICATION

and 1.9 million registered overseas absentee voters will cast their votes in authorized polling precincts to choose replacement of leaders whose terms have expired or those wanting to be reelected. With the election zone inching closer to voters’ front yards—only seven months away to the May midterm elections—eyes are now on the Commission on Elections, the government’s poll watchdog, to make the exercise free of the hippodrome and unnecessary spectacle. We believe Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez when he told a Kapihan Forum in Manila: “We want to emphasize that our goal in our preparations for the filing [of certificates for five days in October] is dignified. “We don’t want to turn it into a circus of supporters. We don’t want it to be chaotic. We don’t want it to be disorderly, that’s why we are controlling the process.” At day’s end, whether big names—those with political roots and/or easier name recall—will be among those in the list, the voters must be alone, individually, to turn their country’s future political page.

BY NOW, I’m guessing many of us have already read several articles, or at least several headlines, about the most recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). According to the report, if we want to prevent the worst effects of global warming, there must be major changes in the way our civilization is run. Furthermore, these major changes must happen within the next dozen years or so, otherwise it might be too late. Given the magnitude of the challenge, the solution must also be at an equally grand scale. In other words, addressing climate change will require as many of us to contribute in ways both effective and efficient. Talking about the science of climate change is necessary but far from sufficient in making this possible. To get as many people on board with the project, we need the help of another science—the science of science communication. According to the IPCC report, the world is already currently warmer by 1 degree Celsius compared to the previous century, and the effects of this are already being felt. This warming will only increase over the next decade. However, if we are able to limit the warming to 1.5 degrees, we will avoid the more catastrophic effects. For example, a warming of 1.5 degrees would result in around 9 percent less available freshwater in some regions. For a warming of 2 degrees, that number would be 17 percent. For a warming of 1.5 degrees, 90 percent of the world’s vital coral reefs would be at risk. For a warming of 2 degrees, that number goes up to 98 percent. If we simply extend this list—which we easily can—we run the risk of inadvertently making the following mistakes. First, we end up sending a doom-and-gloom message. Second, our message might focus too much on the general effects rather than on specific actions that people can take to protect the things they care about. The effectiveness and ethics of fear messaging in climate communication is an area of active debate. Many scientists, such as Michael Mann, Susan Joy Hassol, and Tom Toles have argued that focusing on doomsday messaging is harmful because it leads to feelings of hopelessness and paralysis, feelings that result in a public uninspired to act on the matter. Many studies on the matter, such as the one done by Joseph Reser and Graham Bradley, have shown mixed results for the effectiveness of fear messaging in climate change. The results, however, vary by context. This brings us to the second point: Communication leads to action only when it is specific for a certain audience. For instance, studies have shown that fear might lead people to care about climate change if the fear is not general and vague future effects, but rather about the specific effects on people’s health. In fact, framing climate change as a health risk seems to be an effective tool in making people care. This fact is replicated in many studies that show that people are spurred into action on climate change when the framing is specific to their values. In his book If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?, Alan Alda points out to the importance of relating in science communication. “Communication doesn’t take place because you tell somebody something,” Alda says. “It takes place when you observe them closely and track their ability to follow you.” Since relating requires a deep understanding of the target audience, this means that effective climate communication has to be done by people who know their audience. The corollary to this is that we need a variety of communicators. For instance, Pope Francis is an effective champion of climate change to the millions of Catholics around the world. In what has been dubbed as the “Francis Effect,” the Pope’s speeches on the urgency of climate action has shifted opinion polls by up to 20 percentage points. Of course, Pope Francis is not going to be the most effective champion to nonCatholics. Other groups will need their own climate champions who can relate to the things they value that are threatened by climate change. Another effective way of spurring people into action is through framing the issue as an issue of justice. This fact is highlighted in a study by Emma Thomas, Craig McGarthy, and Kenneth Mavor. Their results suggest that outrage over the injustice of the climate change issue—that the countries least responsible for it are the ones most affected—might have the ability to “transform advantaged groups’ apathy into positive action.” Given that addressing climate change requires a “whole of society approach,” effective communication between members of different sectors, each having their respective relatable champions, is necessary to transform the science of climate change into the necessary social changes.

HOW TWO ‘REBEL GIRLS’ SHOOK UP PUBLISHING By Michelle Fitzpatrick FRUSTRATED with children’s stories of passive princesses and damsels in distress, two Italian women crowdfunded their way into publishing history with a record-breaking book of inspirational tales for girls. And their revolution has only just begun. The first volume of “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls” by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo has become a global sensation, selling more than three million copies with translations in 46 languages. The 2016 book, telling the life stories of 100 extraordinary women ranging from US author Maya Angelou to Mexican painter Frida Kahlo and Polishborn scientist Marie Curie, was born out of necessity, Cavallo said. “Most books don’t feature girls in roles where they take charge of their destiny. In most children’s books, when there are female characters, they don’t speak,” Cavallo told AFP at the Frankfurt book fair. “We want girls to grow up with the certainty that they can choose the life they want. And never apologize for being too assertive, too ambitious or too brave.” Co-authors Cavallo and Favilli, who live in the United States, were determined to change the gender imbalance on the bookshelf—despite having no publishing experience.

“That’s our rebel spirit,” the 35-year-old laughed. Over $1.5 million The duo had already founded a children’s media company in California called Timbuktu Labs, which created the first iPad magazine for children. But to bring out a real-world book, they turned to crowdfunding, setting their goal at a modest $40,000 (34,000 euros). They raised over $600,000, making it the highest funded book ever on Kickstarter.

Their second volume of bedtime stories last year smashed that record, raising over $900,000. The huge appetite for the books blindsided the traditional publishing industry, spawning a raft of copycat versions as publishers scramble to catch up with demand for empowering stories about women. ‘Women’s moment’ At the opening of this week’s Frankfurt book fair, the world’s largest publishing event, director Juergen Boos cited the Rebel Girls chronicles as an example of how publishing was changing. “We are seeing new ways that literature is being created, bought and received,” Boos said, pointing out that it took an online community “to reveal there weren’t nearly enough books with female heroines”. The second Rebel Girls book, which has sold over 600,000 copies so far, again offers one-page bios of 100 strong women, written in a fairytale-style and paired with a colourful, illustrated portrait. Beyonce and Oprah are among those featured. Cavallo said it was “no coincidence” the books were so successful at a time when women’s voices are growing louder and the #MeToo movement has taken the world by storm, sparking a global debate about sexual harassment. “We are experiencing a moment in

history when women are determined to see women’s rights at the front and centre of the political agenda,” Cavallo said. “It’s probably the best time in history to be a rebel girl. But there is still so much to do.” The third Rebel Girls book is already on the way, an interactive “journal to starting a revolution”. It reached its crowdfunding target in just eight hours and will hit bookstores in early December—although backers on Kickstarter will get their copies earlier. The authors have also branched out into podcasts, using famous voices to read out extended versions of some of the biographies. Billionaire philanthropist Melinda Gates is one of the narrators, as is New York Times journalist Jodi Kantor who cowrote the expose that first revealed the sexual misconduct allegations against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein. But what Cavallo and Favilli insist they won’t do is expand their brand into rebel books for boys. “We feel it’s very important for boys to read books where they are not in the title. Girls have done that their whole lives,” Cavallo said. “And a lot of boys tell us they love our stories. Many parents still feel they can’t give boys a book about girls. But that’s changing, too.” AFP

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‘MICHAEL’ DEATH TOLL HITS 17, COULD GO HIGHER MEXICO BEACH—The death toll from Hurricane Michael has risen to at least 17 with fears it would continue to climb Saturday as search-and-rescue teams scour the debris of the Florida town that bore the brunt of the monster storm. “Mexico Beach is devastated,” Florida Governor Rick Scott said of the town where Michael made landfall as a Category 4 storm on Wednesday. “It’s like a bomb went off,” Scott said as he toured the town of 1,000 people on the Gulf of Mexico. “It’s like a war zone.” Rescue teams were using sniffer dogs in Mexico Beach on Friday to search for victims who may be buried under the rubble in the debris-strewn community. US media later reported one death in the town—an elderly man found alone, according to Mayor Al Cathey. Officials said his body was found hundreds of yards from his home. Brock Long, head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), warned that he expected the toll to rise. “I hope we don’t see it climb dramatically but I have reasons to believe we still haven’t got into some of the hardest hit areas,” he said. Dozens of structures in Mexico Beach -- homes, shops and restaurants -- were lifted off their foundations by storm surge and 155 miles per hour (250 kph) winds and moved hundreds of feet inland or smashed to bits. “Very few people live to tell what it’s like to experience storm surge,” Long said. “Storm surge causes the most amount of loss of life.” State officials said Mexico Beach was under mandatory evacuation orders, but some residents decided to stay and try to ride out the storm. “You hope that somehow at the last minute a bunch of people got up and left or went somewhere else,” Florida Senator Marco Rubio told CNN. AFP

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor / Jimbo Gulle, Issue Editor

US, TRUMP GAMBLE ON CHINA ENDGAME

ASHINGTON— Donald Trump has escalated his feud with China into a full-press offensive that has drawn comparisons to the Cold War. Now the question on both sides of the Pacific is, how will it end? In recent weeks, Trump has slapped $250 billion worth of tariffs, boosted military support for rival Taiwan, accused China of interfering in US elections, stepped up denunciations of Beijing’s human rights record and curtailed its

access to US nuclear technology. The real estate mogul, who early in his tenure had described Chinese President Xi Jinping as a friend, was generally presumed to be most interested in trade as he has repeatedly vowed to ramp up US factory production by fighting back the flow of cheaper manufactured imports. But his administration has expanded its pressure campaign to virtually all fronts, a strategy unprecedented since the time the United States and China established diplomatic relations four decades ago. “It is a full-frontal assault by the US on China,” said Elizabeth Economy, director for Asia studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. “There is a general sense in Washington that China is simply too big now, it’s simply too large as a country and as an economy, to allow

it to continue to violate all sorts of expected international trade and investment norms,” she said. Economy said that the United States was also struck at how Xi has “presented a very different China to the world” with a “much more ambitious and expansive foreign policy.” “The US and other countries say, ‘Okay, this is the China we have to deal with, not what we anticipated ten years ago.’” Hua Po, a political commentator in Beijing, agreed that trade was only the “superficial” source of friction. He believed that the underlying concern of the United States was the Made in China 2025 plan, under which Beijing has set a goal of rapidly ensuring that a majority of its industry is sourced domestically. AFP

AT LEAST 22 DEAD IN SUMATRA FLOODS AND LANDSLIDES

SAUDI: ‘BASELESS’ MURDER CLAIMS OVER KHASHOGGI DUBAI, United Arab Emirates—Saudi Arabia dismissed on Saturday accusations that Jamal Khashoggi was ordered murdered by a hit squad inside its Istanbul consulate as “lies and baseless allegations”, as Riyadh and Ankara spar over the missing journalist’s fate. A Saudi delegation was in Turkey for talks on the case, which threatens not only to harm fragile relations between the two countries but also to do serious damage to the reformist credentials of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the kingdom’s ties to the West. As the controversy intensified, the Washington Post reported Turkish officials had recordings made from inside the building that allegedly proved their claims Khashoggi was tortured and killed at the consulate. Big names from media and business have already cancelled appearances at a major conference in Riyadh this month and both the IMF chief and the US treasury secretary made their attendance conditional on the findings in the case. In the first Saudi ministerial reaction to Turkish accusations that Khashoggi was killed, Interior Minister Prince Abdel Aziz bin Saud bin Nayef condemned “what has been reported in certain media concerning false accusations against Saudi Arabia... in the case of the disappearance of citizen Khashoggi”. “What has been reported on the matter of orders to kill him is a lie and a baseless allegation,” the minister said in comments carried by the official Saudi Press Agency. He added the kingdom was “in compliance with international laws and conventions”. Saudi journalist and Washington Post contributor Khashoggi vanished on October 2 after entering the consulate to obtain documents for his upcoming marriage. The Saudi delegation, whose composition was not immediately clear, is expected to meet with Turkish officials in Ankara at the weekend, state media said on Friday. It is likely that they will take part in a joint working group on the case, whose creation was announced Thursday by Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin following a request by Saudi Arabia. A Saudi official source quoted by SPA news agency said it was “a positive move” Turkey had agreed to the creation of what it described as a “joint action team”. AFP

NEEDED BREAK. A soldier takes a break from removing mud on a flooded street in Sant Llorenc des

Cardassar on the Spanish Balearic island of Majorca on Thursday. The death toll in flash floods that hit Spain’s holiday island rose to 12 after the bodies of a man and a woman were discovered, “possibly” those of two missing Germans, police said. AFP

FREED US PASTOR FLYING HOME FROM TURKEY AFTER CASE SPARKED CRISIS WASHINGTON—An American pastor held for two years in Turkey was expected back in the United States on Saturday after a court freed him in a case that sparked a crisis in Ankara’s ties with Washington and trouble for its economy. The court in the western town of Aliaga convicted Andrew Brunson on terror-related charges and sentenced him to three years, one month and 15 days in jail, an AFP correspondent said. However, he was released taking into account time served and his good conduct during the trial, with the court lifting his house arrest and overseas travel ban. After briefly going back to nearby Izmir to collect belongings, Brunson was driven to the city’s airport where he boarded a US military plane. Richard Grenell, the US ambassador to Germany, later tweeted a picture

showing Brunson kissing an American flag he was given at an air base where the plane landed for refueling. “He’s almost home thanks to @realDonaldTrump. When I presented him with the US flag, he immediately kissed it. #agratefulnation,” wrote Grenell. The US President had pressed Turkey to release Brunson, who has become a cause celebre for Donald Trump’s conservative Christian base. Trump said he would meet the pastor as soon as he returns. “Good news, Pastor Brunson is in the air,” Trump told reporters as he arrived in Cincinnati on a campaign stop ahead of congressional elections. “He is coming to the Oval Office, most likely on Saturday.” The president opened the rally by telling supporters he was “proud to report” Brunson’s release. “I think he’s going to be in great

shape,” Trump said. Brunson, who was first detained in October 2016, faced up to 35 years in jail on charges of aiding terrorist groups and espionage. Prosecutors then demanded a sentence of up to 10 years. He was convicted on charges of aiding terrorist groups while not being a member of them. Brunson and US officials insisted he is innocent of all charges. “I am an innocent man. I love Jesus. I love Turkey,” he said in his final defense. When the verdict was read out, Brunson wept and hugged his wife Norine. Brunson’s detention caused not just one of the worst diplomatic rows of recent times between NATO allies Turkey and the US, but also led to a crash in the Turkish lira which exposed the country’s economic fragility. AFP

SUMATRA—At least 22 people have died and many are missing after heavy rain unleashed flash floods and landslides in western Indonesia, an official said Saturday. Heavy downpours since Wednesday triggered flooding and landslides that hit several districts on Sumatra island. At least 17 people were confirmed killed in the last three days in North Sumatra province, while five others were killed in West Sumatra, authorities said. “Eleven students of an Islamic boarding school in Muara Saladi village, Mandailing Natal district, North Sumatra died Friday afternoon during class as they were struck by a building which was destroyed by the flash floods,” spokesman for the national disaster agency Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said. Dozens of houses have also been destroyed. “The disaster and search and rescue agency have gone to the districts but have been hampered by the landslides in several areas,” the head of North Sumatra disaster agency Riadil Lubis told AFP. Landslides and flooding are common in Indonesia, a vast tropical archipelago prone to natural disasters and torrential downpours. In February, 12 people died when an avalanche of mud and rock cascaded down a steep slope in central Java, Indonesia’s main island. In June 2016, nearly 50 people died when heavy downpours sent torrents of water, mud and rock into villages also in Central Java province. AFP

BY-ELECTION VOTE TO PAVE ANWAR’S RETURN TO POWER PORT DICKSON, Malaysia—Anwar Ibrahim set his sights on a return to frontline Malaysian politics Saturday as voting began in a by-election poll likely to seal the once jailed opposition figure’s remarkable political resurrection. Winning the seat is a key requirement for Anwar to succeed 93-year-old Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who jailed his former protege and heir apparent on sodomy and corruption charges in 1998 when their relationship soured. Mahathir returned to the premiership this year after a shock election win, saying he would stay in power for only two years before handing the reins to Anwar. Anwar was in prison when he forged an unlikely alliance with Mahathir in a

bid to unseat then prime minister Najib Razak, who had called elections for May amid massive corruption allegations. Underscoring the drama of Saturday’s vote, one of Anwar’s six challengers is a former aide who also accused the then-opposition leader of sodomy, landing the 71-year-old in jail for a second time in 2014. But the charismatic politician is expected to eke out an easy win in the seat, which was vacated after a member of the ruling coalition stepped down to pave Anwar’s return. Polls opened under cloudy skies at 8:00 am (0000 GMT) in the sleepy southern coastal town of Port Dickson, home to a sizeable ethnic Chinese community that across the country has traditionally been one of Anwar’s pillars of support. AFP

LIFTOFF. Russia’s Soyuz MS-10 spacecraft carrying the members of the International Space Station, expedition 57/58, Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin and NASA astronaut Nick Hague, blasts off to the ISS from the launch pad at the Russian-leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Baikonur on Thursday. AFP

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RENEWABLES. This file photo shows workers near the cooling towers of the Maibarara Geothermal plant in Santo Tomas, Batangas, south of Manila. A surge of new exploration efforts for geothermal power are under way in a nation that has some of the world’s largest untapped sources of volcanic heat, but which relies on coal for half its electricity. AFP

EQUAL PROTECTION. On the Child on Oct. 11, National Geographic Woman’s War’ in collaboration with the Among the profiles that made it into the leader from Surigao del Sur.

EARTH QUEEN. A candidate to the Miss Earth beauty pageant, Celeste Cortesi of the Philippines, poses for photos during a press presentation in Manila on Oct. 11. Some 88 contestants are competing for the pageant to be held on Nov. 3, with this year’s theme of a plastic-free world. AFP

THE NOSE KNOWS. A customer smells a sample of the Gold Cup brand of rice sold at P48 per kilo. President Rodrigo Duterte earlier authorized the ‘unimpeded’ importation of rice to boost supply and lower prices of the staple grain. Norman Cruz

occasion of the International Day of the Girl launched its multimedia project titled ‘A International Committee of the Red Cross. final cut was Eufemia Cullamat, a lumad

REMEMBRANCES. A student contemplates while viewing photos of Marawi City after it was occupied by the Maute terrorist group exactly a year ago. The photo exhibit at the National Museum will run until Nov. 25. PNA

CLEAN HANDS. P&G general manager Shankar Viswanathan joins students of the Andres Bonifacio Elementary School in Leveriza, Pasay City in celebrating the Global Handwashing Day. Norman Cruz

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2018

Reira U Mallari, Editor sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Sports DUBS SEEK NBA 3-PEAT AS DURANT PONDERS NEXT MOVE

SISTER ACT: BUNCIOS MAKE SUPERBIKES HISTORY

ACQ Buncio of SuzukiWheeltek Racing Team, powered by Total Phils., made history by clinching the first-ever Rookie Category of the Philippine Superbikes (PSBK) National Championships 2018 season on Sunday at the Clark International Speedway. The 18-year-old Jacq, the youngest in the grid at that, scored 37.5 and 33 in the pre-finals and finals to run away the best rookie title with a total of 308.5 points, a feat that further cemented her status as the fastest lady rider in the country today. Runner-up BJ Ang finished with 168 points. As an icing on her cake, Jacq, using a Suzuki GSX-R1000R, also emerged as the 1st runner up of the Pirelli Cup after having an intense and head on battle with strong competitor Pocholo Panlilio in the series composed of six-leg races running under the 2018 National Motorcycle Championships. She even finished in the top five among her expert and master contenders. “I am humbled with all the support and love everyone has given to me for the whole season. No words can explain the hardships I’ve gone through for the past 7 months of racing, but nevertheless the season was filled with lessons which I can use for future races,” said Jacq, who is also backed by Total Hi-Perf, KYT Helmet, AMARON Batteries, SSS Sprocket and Chains, SEC Motosuply, Augi Racing Boots, Galfer Brakes and G4 Buko Pandan. “To my family for always being my number one fan, specially mommy and daddy for always having my back and helping me bounce back from the bottom. To kuya Dashi Watanabe, you never doubted my capabilities in racing and I want to thank the whole Watanabe Racing Development for accepting me with open arms. And finally, thank you Lord for keeping me safe,” Jacq added. Meanwhile, Jacq’s sister Des Buncio, who used the only 600cc 2007 model machine against bikes with bigger engines, made it a Sisters’ Act by winning the Pirelli Cup Heavyweight B championship. “I was afraid that I won’t be able

Jacq Buncio: Fastest lady on two wheels

Des Buncio in action en route to the Pirelli Cup Heavyweight B championship

to get enough points for the overall championship because of my leg injury during the 5th leg in Batangas. The final round came and maybe the Lord worked his magic because I was not able to train with my condition the whole month, all I did was to rest, find new hobbies that were’nt physically demanding and pray I can re-

cover soon. I placed 3rd place during final leg but earned huge points from the start of the season with 189 overall points and still putting me as the 2018 Heavyweight B Overall Champion,” said Des, who is also backed by Total Excellium, HJC Helmets, OZ Racing Apparels, Black Mamba energy drink, SSS Sprocket and Chains, AUGI

racing Boots and SEC Motosuply. The success of Jacq and Des Buncio goes alongside the big return of Suzuki on the superbikes racing scene with one of its top dealers Wheeltek Motor Sales Corporation. The partnership between these three strong names in the country’s motoring scenes aims to continue the unfinished business of the late and legendary Maico Buncio—one of the most decorated and fastest riders that the Philippines has ever seen. “Not even in my wildest imagination that these two girls of mine will achieve this level in this kind of sport,” said Yoyong Buncio, the father of Jacq and Des. “After what had happened to their brother, Maico a multi awarded Motorsport Athlete in our country, Jacq started racing in scooter, underbone, backbone and now in superbikes. She is now racing for five years and nearly four years with Des. Me and my wife Mylene didn’t think that they will embrace the sport that their brother Maico left behind. We thought we have retired with this sport, but no one knew that these two girls of ours, a sisters’ act in the world of motorsports racing, will love the sport.”

FOREST HILLS GOLFERS SNATCH WGAP CROWN FOREST Hills snatched the WGAP Circuit crown in style, pulling off a rare sweep of all three divisions at home to rally from fifth to the top of the heap at the close of the eight-stage event at the Nicklaus and Palmer courses in Antipolo recently. Saving their best for last, the hosts pooled 143 Stableford points to beat Camp Aguinaldo by seven in Class A, assembled a 139 to dominate Villamor by 11 points in Class B, and combined for a 153 to thwart Sta. Elena by three in Class C. With a closing nine-point haul, Forest Hills got past penultimate round leader Sta. Elena, Villamor, last year’s champion Tagaytay Highlands and Camp Aguinaldo to emerge this year’s best in the coursehopping circuit among the top golfing ladies from the country’s leading courses. Forest Hills edged Sta. Elena by the thinnest of margins, 25-24.

LETRAN ALUMNI AIDS KNIGHT. The

Letran Alumni Association, headed by its president Rosalie Cruz, conducted a fund-raising campaign for former Letran Knight player Jerrick Balanza, who underwent a brain surgery recently and raised a total of P110,500 for the use of the cager during his recovery period after the successful surgery. LAA Director and Sports Chairman Alex Wang joined Cruz in presenting the check to Balanza at the Uno Restaurant in Greenhills, with other members of the LAA Board of Council present.

With its runner-up finish in Class C worth two points, Sta. Elena also placed third in Class A to settle for second while Villamor placed third with 21 points, Tagaytay wound up fourth with 19 and Aguinaldo ended up fifth with 18. The top five also advanced to the WGAP Cup. Aguinaldo’s Leni Cabili, meanwhile, took the overall individual crown with 274 points, nipping Canlubang’s Theresa Enriquez by one while Villamor emerged the overall Class A champion over Aguinaldo with Forest Hills and Canlubang winner the overall Classes B and C plums over Eagle Ridge and Sta. Elena, respectively. Rose San Roque fired 39 points, Jonah Ilagan shot a 36 and Yun Haeng “Grace” Cho and Ma. Consuelo Conti backed them up with a pair of 34s as Forest Hills ruled Class A with a 143, seven points ahead of Aguinaldo, which scored a 136 with Sta.

Elena finishing third at 130 followed by Tagaytay (129), led by individual winner Chesca Imperial’s 38 points, Canlubang (127) and Alabang (110). Sohan Uy, on the other hand, led the hosts’ charge in Class B, scoring 38 points with Nelda Roguel firing 37 points and So Young “Maria” Lee and Jong Yeon “Jasmin” Kim each chipping in 32 points for a 139. Villamor, led by individual champion Maria Dorkas Guerrero’s 33 points, placed second with a 128 while Tagaytay settled for third with a 125 followed by Alabang (22), Eagle Ridge (116), Sta. Elena (114) and Canlubang (103). Beatrice Ann Que, meanwhile, sizzled with 48 points while Eleanor Leung, Evelyn Alcantara and Bernadette Jalosjos added 38, 34 and 33 points, respectively, for Forest Hills, which took the Class C diadem with a 153.

WASHINGTON—Forget about taking it one game at a time. The Golden State Warriors are embracing their quest for a third consecutive NBA title and they aren’t afraid to say so. The Warriors could become the first team to win three crowns in a row since the 2000-2002 Los Angeles Lakers and match the secondlongest championship run in NBA history. “We talk about the three-peat just because it’s in front of us,” twotime NBA Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry said. “I don’t think it’s something that’s repeated every single day. But when we start the season, obviously we lay everything out on the table, what’s at stake in terms of our expectations. “We understand that winning a championship is attainable if we take care of our business, and doing it three years in a row is a tremendous opportunity for us that we should not be afraid to talk about and go after.” Only the Lakers, two 1990s Chicago Bulls teams powered by Michael Jordan and the 1952-54 Minneapolis Lakers have won three titles in a row, with the record run of eight belonging to the 1959-1966 Boston Celtics. But for a seventh-game loss to Cleveland in the 2016 NBA Finals, the Warriors would already be celebrating four crowns in a row instead of seeking a fourth in five campaigns. “You never stop enjoying it. You just start focusing on the next year,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr. “But it’s always there. You always see the banner hanging and you see your ring. It never quite goes away. That’s the beauty of it.” Fragility adds to the specialness and that comes into play this season, with two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant and star guard Klay Thompson each set to become free agents next July and the Warriors looking at a salary cap crunch after spending big to assemble and keep a championship lineup. Greater expectations The Los Angeles Lakers, with new star LeBron James, figure to make a bid for Durant, who left Oklahoma City in 2016 to join the Warriors and form a ‘superteam’ lineup that has gone 8-1 in the NBA Finals. Just as James left Cleveland and won titles in Miami then departed, the concern is that Durant might arrive to become a champion and then depart, although the Warriors could make the richest offer to keep him and have the lure of a new arena in San Francisco opening with him as a star attraction if he stays, even in a short-term deal. “There’s more expectations now and a little bit more detail,” Durant said. “But it’s a whole new system and new group of players and more expectations we’ll see how that plays out.” The Warriors have endured twomonth playoff runs for four years— an extra 83 playoff games amounting to an extra season and less rest than rivals who haven’t enjoyed such success. AFP

NABALAN SHINES AS NU SWEEPS 1ST ROUND NATIONAL University completed another first round sweep and stretched its unbeaten run to 71 games with a 91-58 rout of Far Eastern University Saturday in the UAAP Season 81 women’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena. Ria Nabalan had 18 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two blocks while reigning MVP Jack Danielle Animam chipped in 15 points, nine boards, four assists and two steals for the Lady Bulldogs. Valerie Mamaril paced the Lady Tamaraws with 14 markers while Fatima Quiapo contributed 11 points, seven rebounds

and three assists. FEU ended up in joint second with De La Salle with five wins and two defeats. Sai Larosa and Tin Capilit each scored 13 points as Universiry of Santo Tomas edged University of the East, 53-51, to tie Adamson University in fourth place at 4-3. The Lady Warriors, who drew 20 points from Anne Pedregosa, fell at 1-6. The scores: First Game NU (91)—Nabalan 18, Animam 15, Pingol 10, Camelo 9, Cacho 9, Itesi 8, Harada 6, Cac 3, Ceño 3, Bartolo 2, Canuto 2, Del

Carmen 2, Fabruada 2, Goto 2, Layug 0. FEU (58)—Mamaril 14, Quiapo 11, Taguiam 10, Antiola 7, Castro 7, Vidal 4, Adriano 3, Bahuyan 2, Bastastas 0, Payadon 0. Quarterscores: 24-6, 50-23, 74-38, 91-58 Second Game UST (53)—Larosa 13, Capilit 13, Irebu 7, Rivera 5, Gonzales 5, Aujero 4, Sangalang 4, Magat 2, Ferrer 0, Tacatac 0. UE (51)—Pedregosa A. 20, Requiron 14, Cortizano 9, Ganade 3, Pedregosa P. 2, Francisco 2, Borromeo 1, Cuadero 0, Strachan 0. Quarterscores: 11-8, 25-22, 44-34, 53-51

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2018

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor / Roderick dela Cruz, Issue Editor business@manilastandard.net

PETRON DONATES RICE IN CAGAYAN, ILOCOS NORTE

FPI Group president Ariel dela Cruz (second from right), Best Option Investigation & Security Services Inc. assistant general manager Dona Ado (second from left)and officials of the Philippine National Police lead the inauguration of Best Option Advanced Security Training Center Inc. in Cainta, Rizal.

TECHNOLOGY ENTREPRENEUR TO BRING SOLAR ROOFS TO PH A

FILIPINO technology entrepreneur, who has deployed CCTV surveillance cameras in the Makati central business district, provided IT solutions to electric cooperatives around the country and established a state-of-the-art security training agency, is set to change the country’s solar energy sector.

“We will bring solar roof tiles and PV glass curtain walls to the Philippines,” says Ariel dela Cruz, the 57-year-old founder, president and chief executive of FPI Group, which provides innovative, and state-of-the art technologies in the fields of safety, security, automation, application, software development and disruptive services. An electronics engineer by profession and techie at heart, dela Cruz is expanding his businesses from security solutions and computer software to solar products that aim to change how houses and buildings will be designed in the future. Dela Cruz, who graduated with a degree in Electronics Engineering from De La Salle University in 1983, considers himself to be a techie. “After graduating from DLSU, I worked in an engineering consulting firm. I used to design micro-controller circuits. I was also a programmer. Up to now, I am still a techie. Any new technology is easy for me to understand,” he says in an interview in Makati City. FPI Group has 400 employees, including 300 security personnel at subsidiary Best Option Investigation & Security Services Inc. and the rest in other affiliates such as Facilities Protection Inc., FPI Maxerve, BSI Berinne Systems Inc., Xen Energy Systems Inc. and XenPay. The group provides security and IT solutions to multinationals, large companies, factories, government agencies, transport terminals, infrastructure projects, hotels and BPOs. Its enterprise-grade products include CCTVs, fire alarm systems, intrusion and alarm systems, automation and control systems, hand-held and walk-through metal detection systems, explosives and narcotics trace detection systems and cargo X-ray inspection systems. It has recently established a training center to upgrade the skills of the security personnel of Best Option and other agencies and just closed a contract to supply the most advanced checkpoint screening machines. “The one we are supplying is

FPI Group founder, president and CEO Ariel dela Cruz

Checkpoint CT or Computed Tomography. What you will see on the screen is 3D image. I am also bringing in a new piece of equipment—a body scanner, X-ray machine and facial recognition system all in one,” he says. On why he is venturing into solar roof tiles, dela Cruz says: “Solar solutions are vertical to my business. With security systems, we are talking to developers. Now, I can also talk to them about solar roof tiles and curtain wall. It is an easy jump, because it is not different,” he says. “Our solar roof tiles are not retrofit, unlike the existing solar rooftops. If you build a new house, you are going to put a roof anyway. So you might as well put up one that is already solar. We are talking to LandBank Leasing. They are willing to finance it,” he says. “Another good thing is that they do not require maintenance. They are durable and look clean. They are made of tempered glass. Each tile measures 0.5 meters by 0.7 meters,” says Dela Cruz. “We will ship samples of solar roof tiles [from

China] soon. We are eyeing developers and architects. Price of roof tiles will have a difference of only 30 percent to 40 percent from pergola. It pays for itself. No building material pays for itself, except solar tiles. Solar roofs used to be retrofit in the form of panels. Now it is a building material—a roof glass which is beautiful to look at. It can start generating power in the early morning. Even with cloud cover, it can produce power. You can put up your entire roof as solar [facility],” he says. He says the photovoltaic curtain wall can also be used in buildings to generate power. “Curtain wall is about 50 percent transparent and it is not costly,” says dela Cruz, who plans to form a solar solutions company soon. Dela Cruz says he wants to build and design a new house using solar roof tiles and curtain walls for his family. These materials, he says, will provide his household with free electricity from the sun. “If the economy does well, we also do well. Real estate expansion is a key segment for us, especially now for solar,” he says. In October 2016, FPI Group took over Best Option, a small security agency. “We bought out the major partners and rehabilitated it. Now, we have a security agency. We need to get good people. That is why I put up a training agency, so we can train our own people. I have all the latest and greatest equipment sitting in my office. We brought them there and now use those equipment to train these guys, and elevate them to a greater skill level,” he says. “With our training center, we can train those guards how to operate the equipment. They need better training. That’s what we set out to do. We put in about P5 million worth of demo equipment in the training center in Cainta. I’m sure other agencies will come in, because we are lifting the standards in the industry. It is called Best Option Advanced Security Training Center Inc.,” he says. Dela Cruz established a technology company in 1989 with a partner and another company called Fire Kinetics back in 1996 with another partner. In 2000, he bought out his partners and established FPI. The group now owns 70-percent to 90-percent stakes in its seven subsidiaries. “Most of the key managers also have shares in the companies,” he says. One of the group’s subsidiaries—BSI Berinne Systems Inc.—is into internet of things. “IoT is one of the solutions of Berin. Example is parking sensor. We provide the battery that can last two years,” he says. Dela Cruz also manages a team of programmers who develop software solutions for the power industry. Xen Energy and XenPay provide payment solutions to electric cooperatives. “There are 120 electric coops that serve 12

ITALIAN CHEFS TO TRAIN FILIPINOS ON PIZZA MAKING TECHNOLUX will bring in experts from Italy to conduct cooking and baking demos on Oct. 18 at Mall of Kitchens along Kamagong Street in Makati City. The experts will speak at Technolux Business Series with the theme “Italian Feast” that will feature Pizza Master Oven and Italmill, food entrepreneurs’ partners in making authentic Italian pizzas and breads. Admission is free. Italmill S.P.A. is one of the biggest family-run businesses in the flour and semi-finished baking product industry in Italy. Its products include pastry, bakery and pizza preferred by restaurants, cafés and pizzerias because they guarantee the best Italian pizzas

and artisan breads. Its history dates back to the 1900s when Casare Besozzi founded the company. Also to be highlighted in the event is Pizza Master Oven, the largest electric deck oven ranges in the world with 80 different sizes and over 1,000 combinations. The multi-purpose machine is famous not only for baking pizzas and breads but it can also cook other dishes with the same efficiency and quality. The speakers include Tiziano Casillo, a chef-pizzaiolo who obtained his qualification at the Iseo Institute of Hotels. He is a professional chef who trains Italmill staff in different countries. He will share his expertise in making

the best thin crust pizzas and other breads using Italmill flour, together with another talented chef, Oxana Bokta. Meanwhile, Mansour R ashidi, vice president of sales at Svenska BakePartner AB will speak at length about Pizza Master, its features and benefits and will demonstrate its proper use to maximize efficiency and profit. Also to be featured are quick demos on Frigomat Gelato, Vittore Espresso and Taylor Soft Serve machines and Italian wine appreciation. Technolux is the country’s largest importer and distributor of a complete line of foodservice and laundry equipment and small wares.

Turn to C2

NEARLY 3,000 families in the provinces of Cagayan and Ilocos Norte, the areas hardest hit by Typhoon Ompong, were given assistance by Petron Corp. on Oct. 4 through its service station network in Northern Luzon. Around 30 Petron ser vice station dealers spearheaded the distribution of 10 kilograms of rice per family in severely affected barangays of Caaoacan, Cataban, Calayab and Araniw in Laoag City and in Gattaran, Cagayan. The areas have been identified based on data from the National Disaster R isk Reduc tion and Management Council as having the most numbers of families affected by the storm. Petron has a network of over 500 stations in Northern Luzon alone, and was able to quickly recover from the damage wrought by Ompong to fuel relief and recovery operations across the area. “Through our station dealers, who share in our advocacy of nation-building, we are able to directly identify and alleviate the most pressing concerns of local communities. In this case, we saw the need for additional relief operations in Ilocos Norte and Cagayan and support government efforts to help get these communities back on their feet,” Petron said.

The relief operations support the Department of Energy’s calls for the entire energy family “to put into concrete action the spirit of bayanihan” especially during times of calamity. True to its promise of fueling hope, Petron has consistently taken the lead in responding to disasters. In December 2016, the company helped the towns of Amulung, Enrile and Tuao in Cagayan province in the aftermath of typhoon Lawin. Around 300 displaced families were able to rebuild their homes with donations of shelter repair kits. After supertyphoon Yolanda in 2013, Petron distributed relief packs to nearly 20,000 families in Leyte, Cebu, Capi, and Mindoro. Petron’s was also the only terminal operating in Tacloban after Yolanda, while its stations were quickly opened in just a few days. It was also at the forefront of relief operations following typhoons Sendong in 2011 and Pablo in 2012, as well as the Visayas earthquake in 2013. “Our ability to provide quick disaster relief is a testament to our extensive and reliable distribution and retail network, resiliency plans, and facilities built according to international safety standards. These underscore our commitment help our countrymen especially during times of most need,” the company said.

Business

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2018 business@manilastandard.net

UNNING and growing a business requires being the right person for the job – something that is more often than not overshadowed by most entrepreneurs’ immense passions.

Robert Walters Philippines country manager Monty Sujanani

ROBERT WALTERS APPOINTS NEW COUNTRY MANAGER ROBERT Walters Philippines has recently named Monty Sujanani as its new country manager. Robert Walters is a global, specialist professional recruitment consultancy, identifying and securing the placement of high quality professionals for a range of mid- to C-level specialist roles, including those in accounting and finance, banking and financial services, human resources, information technology, and sales and marketing. With an extensive background in ICT recruitment consultancy, Sujanani began his career in Robert Walters in Beijing in 2013, then moved to Singapore in 2015 where he led part of the technology team. Prior to joining Robert Walters, S u j a n a n i h e l d va r i o u s b u s i n e s s development and operational management positions in key companies in China and ran his own business in design and manufacturing. He is a graduate of the Australian National University with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. Now at the helm of Robert Walters Philippines, Sujanani will oversee the business and operations of the company, focusing on growing the brand and further educating the market on what the company can bring its clients and potential candidates. “Our business goes beyond recruitment – what sets Robert Walters apart is the quality service and high levels of engagement that we deliver to all of our clients and candidates,” said Sujanani.

But business growth is only one part of the story. To sustain this development, one must also evolve alongside the business – whether as an entrepreneur, as a boss, or as a person. “When leaders and coaches consistently adopt effective approaches to strategic coaching and coaching for holistic happiness in work and life, they are able to reap the tremendous benefit of developing a highperformance organization with strongly engaged people that formulates and executes the right goals and strategies,” said Dr. Peter Chee, president and chief executive of ITD World and one of the world’s top coaching gurus and best-selling authors. Chee was in Manila recently for a short talk and signing of his books, “12 Disciplines of Leadership Excellence” and “The Leader’s Daily Role in Talent Management” at the National Bookstore at Glorietta 1, Makati City. Considered to be one of the best in his field, Chee is the first Asian to be ranked in the top 9 coaching gurus of the world and holds the distinction of training and developing leaders from 80 countries. Most of those who dream of starting their own business often think that starting is the hardest part of the job – but it is not. Sustaining the business after the immense high of starting it is the hardest part – when reality sets in that there is too little one knows about the business or running it. For Serely Alcaraz, the country’s leading master trainer, coaching should not only be limited to the business owners but also to key people in the organization. “We’ve often heard the challenge: ‘innovate or die.’Innovation has become top priority for organizations and individuals who want to thrive under relentless disruptive change, economic upheaval

GURUS UNRAVEL SECRETS TO SUCCESS

TECHNOLOGY... From C1 million houses in the country. Right now, we have five customers, and another five [in the pipeline]. We are targeting to serve four million houses in the next two years,” he says. “With XenPay, we will address payment in the sari-sari stores. You can pay bills at sari-sari stores using Android phone with app. Our wallet partner is LandBank. Everything is in the cloud,” he says. Dela Cruz says that in the field of security, FPI Group would like to maintain its focus on enterprise highend solutions. “We don’t do low-end. My personal belief is you get what you pay for. The problem with competitors is they do not get the quality products. We don’t do that. We always go for state-of-the-art stuff,” he says. Clients include Philip Morris, SGV, Toshiba, Globe, Smart, government agencies, multinationals, industrials and other groups that require some form of security or safety solutions. “If you go to our office [Chino Roces Ave., Makati City], we practice what we preach. The whole office is monitored by CCTV with access control,” he says. Dela Cruz says the business is good “because of the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program.” On how his business flourished, Dela Cruz says he does not compromise in terms of quality of services. “I think number one is to add value. If you are not adding value, people will not be happy with what it is you are selling. Anything you sell, there has to be value added. I even spent money from my pocket to replace something that I think is not at par to our standards. If you do your job right, you add value and you will never go wrong,” says dela Cruz, who served as president of Rotary Club of Parañaque East in 2003 to 2004. Dela Cruz, who lives in Better Living Subdivision in Parañaque City, says he wants to retire in a few years, with his son taking over. His 29-year-old son currently runs the group’s operations while a daughter is graduating to be a doctor. Another daughter is still in grade school. Dela Cruz plans to convert the FPI Group into a holding company next year to oversee the operations of its subsidiaries, with Maxerve carrying the responsibility of selling the security and safety solutions of FPI. “I want to structure it properly because the group is growing. It is all managed by professionals. I cannot manage it all by myself as I would not have time to play golf,” he says. Roderick T. dela Cruz

ITD World president and CEO Dr. Peter Chee (above) and ITD Philippines country head Serely Alcaraz (left)

and ever-increasing competition,” said Alcaraz, who is also the chief coach and country head of ITD World. “Organizations now find ways to create a culture of creativity and innovation, maximize capability and engagement of their key talents, and jumpstart the implementation of outof-the-box ideas and creative solutions. Leaders play a critical role in making this happen,” she said. Ideally, the business owner, the employees, and the business grow together. With each one learning from the other and seeing challenges from var ious perspec tives, this creates a better understanding of the business and how best to deal with various situations that may come along.

Dr. Chee and Alcaraz will come together in Manila on Oct. 26 for the CEO, HR and Senior Leaders Conference. Chee will share key concepts and best practices on how to achieve sustainable success and holistic happiness, while Alcaraz will teach par ticipants tips and techniques on how to drive creativity and innovation in their organizations. Joining them is Dr. M arshall Goldsmith, recognized by Harvard Business Review as the world’s number one leadership thinker. Goldsmit will be sharing his executive coaching secrets, and his bestselling book: Triggers. The conference is an ITD event for top-level leaders, entrepreneurs, and HR, organizational development and training professionals.

BIG DATA SUMMIT TACKLES FINANCIAL INCLUSION FINANCIAL inclusion topped the conversations at the inaugural TransUnion Philippines Big Data Summit. The information solutions provider recently gathered industry stakeholders Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, National Privacy Commission, other government agencies and private businesses to align efforts and increase awareness of their impact on financial inclusion initiatives. While financial inclusion in the Philippines still has a long way to go, with about 65 percent of the population and 552 out of 1,634 cities and municipalities still unbanked, TransUnion believes that government and industry leaders can help close the wide gap between those with access to financial services and those without. “Financial inclusion cannot be achieved by just one organization. Clearly, it takes a village. It requires

TransUnion Philippines president and CEO Pia Arellano.

the collective efforts of both public and private sectors working together to push our economy in the right direction. Every one of us has a part in this advocacy and together, we can all make a difference with the power of big data in our hands,” said TransUnion Philippines president and chief executive Pia Arellano. The BSP says that financial inclusion

means there is effective access to a wide range of financial services by all. As of 2017, only half of Filipino adults have savings yet seven in 10 keep it at home, where it’s prone to risks instead of opportunities. Meanwhile, four in 10 Filipino adults who have outstanding loans took them from informal sources, which can be detrimental in the long haul for clients. Furthermore, it was found that 81 percent of local SMEs are internally financed, which is a constraint to growth and to seizing more economic opportunities. Recognizing the power of technology in bringing to scale financial inclusion efforts, the BSP and related stakeholders have enacted policies that will set its pace. Most notable among them are the rollout of the national ID system seen to make accountopening easier and the identification of alternatives to collateral, which could greatly benefit SMEs.

“Financial inclusion is strategic and is complementary to our objectives of maintaining price and financial system stability. If we can drive financial inclusion in a sound, stable manner, I think that we’ll be able to achieve that inclusive and broad-based growth that can benefit all if we coordinate and work together,” said Pia Roman Tayag, the managing director of BSP’s Inclusive Advocacy Office and concurrent head of Financial Consumer Protection Department. As a big data company, TransUnion emphasizes how information can drive businesses, grow the economy and improve the lives of people and communities. The availability of multi- dimensional consumer credit information gives financial institutions the confidence to offer products with favorable terms on one hand, and empowers consumers to take charge of their financial futures on the other.

Tech & Gadgets

WESTERN DIGITAL UPS GAME WITH NEW GAMING SSD

C GAMING is increasingly immersive, with richer and more intense visual content than ever before, and gamers are faced with making technology choices to maximize their experience. To push leading-edge performance, lower power consumption and extended durability for PC gaming systems, Western Digital Corporation (NASDAQ: WDC) today introduced a high-performance Western Digital® WD Black 3D NVMe™ SSD featuring the company’s own SSD architecture and controller. The drive accelerates data for PC applications to enable users to quickly, access, engage and capture today’s high-resolution video, audio and gaming content. With growing demand for rich content, PCs must have the capability to run intensive applications and enable the 4K/Ultra HD graphics and video content experiences. To move this immense amount of data quickly and seamlessly, Western Digital developed a new breed of SSDs to help remove the traditional storage bottleneck. This M.2 drive features a new NVMe architecture and controller, which optimally integrates with Western Digital 3D NAND. Western Digital’s new vertically integrated SSD platform was engineered from the ground up, specifically architected to help maximize performance for NVMe SSDs, with advanced power management, durability and endurance for the growing range of applications benefiting from NVMe technology. “Today’s gaming applications require increasing capability from their PCs, and this will only continue to advance. With our new architecture and controller, the Western Digital WD Black SSD integrates our 3D NAND technology with the

NVMe interface to enable new levels of performance. Whether it’s a new gaming rig or a videoediting workstation, our innovative NVMe drives will power many existing and future environments that enable data to thrive,” said, Mark Grace, senior vice president, Devices Business Unit, Western Digital. Western Digital WD Black 3D NVMe SSD–Built to Boost Gaming Systems With exceptional sequential read (up to 3,400 MB/s for 1TB and 500GB model) and write performance (up to 2,8001MB/s* for 1TB model) combined with up to 1TB capacities, the new drive is ideal for enhancing user experiences in gaming environments that benefit from acceleration

of intensive fast data. Additionally, the drives feature up to 500,000 random-read IOPs (for 1TB model) to deliver extreme throughput, which is ideal for multi-threaded applications and data-intensive multitasking environments. The Western Digital WD Black 3D NVMe SSD is available in the Philippines in capacities of 250GB (P4900), 500GB (P9100), and 1TB (P20,000). The new drives are available now in select Western Digital retailers, e-tailers, resellers, system integrators and distributors in the country. Enabling the possibilities of data, Western Digital offers the industry’s broadest portfolio of products and solutions to help people capture, preserve, access and transform their

content. For more information, visit our website: Western Digital. About Western Digital Western Digital creates environments for data to thrive. The company is driving the innovation needed to help customers capture, preserve, access and transform an everincreasing diversity of data. Everywhere data lives, from advanced data centers to mobile sensors to personal devices, our industry-leading solutions deliver the possibilities of data.

NEWEST APP GAME SHOPEE SLICE LAUNCHED SHOPEE launches a brand new inapp game, Shopee Slice, featuring a simple yet addictive gameplay, where users are challenged to slice as many gift boxes as possible during a limited time period, and consequently, stand to win Shopee gift certificates worth up to P3000 when they top the leaderboard. Shopee Slice will debut on Oct. 12 in line with the launch of Mega Orange Day and will be available for users to play until Oct. 17. Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. “Games have proven to be highly popular among Filipinos, and we From Oct. 11 to 17, shop the Mega Orange Day sale featuring up to 90% discounts, flash deals, and free shipping with lowered minimum spend. launched Shopee Slice in line with this trend. Shopee is committed to continuously innovating and improv- are one way in which we go beyond the to enhance the overall shopping exing our platform, and in-app games conventional product-purchase model perience. Shopee Slice offers users an

exciting new way to earn rebates in the form of Shopee coins and vouchers.and we hope that our users will enjoy the game,” said Terence Pang, Chief Operating Officer at Shopee. From Oct. 11 to 14, users can look forward to deals up to 90% off from four category days featuring Electronics, Health & Beauty, Fashion, and Home & Living. This leads up to the biggest sale on Oct. 15 to 17, where there will be 72 hours of free shipping, all day vouchers, P100 deals, and flash deals happening four times each day. For more information on the Mega Orange Day, visit https:// shopee.ph/mega-orange-day. Download the Shopee app for free on the App Store or Google Play Store.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2018 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

EPSON’S ECOTANK PRINTERS ARE HERE EPSON, a global leader in printing technologies and market leader for ink tank printers, has launched its new line up of EcoTank printers that offer one of the lowest total cost of ownership in the market. Known previously as the L and Mseries Ink Tank System printers, the newly branded EcoTank printers come with a new streamlined design with an integrated ink tank, in a more compact size and with innovative spill-free ink bottles. With this new innovative lineup, Epson has brought the integrated ink tank design to its entry-level ink tank printers for Small and Medium Enterprises and home offices. Epson has also expanded the lineup of its M-series printers, now known as Ecotank Monochrome series printers, with the new flagship EcoTank M2140 printer. The M2140 printer now incorporates the PrecisionCore printhead, bringing improved nozzle technology with increased print resolutions at 1200 x 2400 dpi, and faster speeds of 20ipm. The multifunction EcoTank Monochrome series comes with auto-duplex printing as well as scan and copy functions. The EcoTank Monochrome series are able to rival laser printers in terms of overa l l total cost of ownership and energy consumption, with the printers having 24 times lower power consumptioN, and bringing 27 times lower overall cost per print compared to laser printers in the Philippines. In terms of offering low total cost of ownership, the EcoTank L-series printers with a set of Epson’s ink tank 4 ink bottles yields printers rated 4,500 black and most reliable ink tank printer white pages and compared to other 7,500 color pages, brands and the EcoTank Monochrome series yields 6,000 black and white pages. The ink tank printer is rated the most reliable ink tank printer compared to other brands. In a recent study, a large majority of Epson’s multibrand dealers at 87%, ranked Epson as the most reliable ink tank printer compared to other brands. In terms of overall performance, according to the research, the majority of dealers at 77% are satisfied with Epson ink tank printersand63%havea preference for Epson ink tank printers in comparison to other printer brands. “With the launch of our EcoTank Monochrome series, we aim to expand the market for inkjet printers and shift users from the entry-level laser printer segment to purchase inkjet printers. With the immense advantages it brings in terms of lower overall total cost of ownership and savings in energy consumption and improved impact to the environment, the EcoTank printers can offer a better alternative to laser printers for SMEs and home office segment,” said Eduardo Bonoan, Marketing Director for Epson Philippines.

OPPO UNVEILS HYPER BOOST

OPPO Mobile recently the result of constant announced the launch improvements and opof OPPO Hyper Boost, timizations. Its ability to its full-scenario, systemoptimize resource allocalevel performance boost tion on Android systems engine. helps overcome the power Hyper Boost helps consumption and perforelevate the overall user mance challenges when experience through imsmartphones are running provements in the power heavy-load applications. consumption and perThis cutting-edge technolformance of Android ogy has demonstrated our Ryan Chen smartphones. Developed industry-leading strength extensively over the years prior to to- in technical innovation and our commitday’s unveiling, OPPO Hyper Boost is ment to bringing the best experience to designed to accommodate a wide range our users.” of usage scenarios and behaviors. A Hyper Boost works by enabling realproprietary solution for optimizing sys- time “two-way dialogs” between aptem-level resource allocation on smart- plications and system resources. After phones, Hyper Boost is a great example having recognized the various scenarios of OPPO’s strength and understanding and user behaviors from different apin the system-level optimization of the plications and game programs, Hyper Android platform. Boost comprehensively optimizes the Ryan Chen, Head of the Software Re- allocation of resources across the syssearch Center of the OPPO Research Insti- tem to specific needs. This helps ensure tute, said: “Our journey toward improving better utilization of hardware resources, the system performance of smartphones faster response speed of applications dates back to 2015. Today we are proud and game programs, and smoother to see the launch of OPPO Hyper Boost, operation of the overall system.

Consisting of three parts, Hyper Boost offers comprehensive acceleration for smartphones at three levels: system, game, and application. • System engine: Hyper Boost delivers system-level optimization across the Qualcomm and MediaTek platforms. The system engine provides over 50 solutions for optimizing the utilization of the underlying hardware resources against 20-plus software scenarios and 20-plus software behaviors, ensuring that users have a smooth and stable experience in almost every common scenario. This optimization helps general applications achieve up to 31.91% shorter loading time. • Game engine: One of the smartphone manufacturers to first work with Tencent, Netease and game engines such as Unreal, Unity and Cocos, OPPO is well-equipped to implement underlying optimization on the Top 100 mobile games. This game engine provides optimization for 11 of the most popular mobile games on the market, such as the “Honor of Kings” and “PUBG”. Its polymorphic network acceleration technology can intelligently distribute the traffic between the cellular and Wi-Fi data

IMPROVING SHARED NETWORK. Remittance industry leaders and long-time

partners MoneyGram and Cebuana Lhuillier have recently discussed how they can strengthen their shared network to improve the services offered to Overseas Filipino Workers specially in Europe, Canada and Australia. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reports that OFW remittances in May 2018 reached US$2.7billion, up by 6.1% from the same month last year. Photo shows PJ Lhuillier Inc. president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier and MoneyGram chairman and CEO Alex Holmes (center) together with (from left) MoneyGram country manager Alex Lim, International Markets manager Kit Rivera, chief global operations officer Kamila Chytil, chief revenue officer Grant Lines, PJ Lhuillier Inc. chairman and founder Philippe Jones Lhuillier, senior executive vice president Philippe Andre Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier Services Corp. general manager and assistant vice president Erlinda Sumanga, and MoneyGram head of Asia Pacific, Middle East and South Asia Yogesh Sangle.

network channels. This optimization reduces the overall network latency to offer players a more relaxing and smooth gaming experience. • Application engine: Platform-level applications including WeChat, Mo-

bile Taobao, and Mobile QQ have been among the first applications that Hyper Boost targets for optimization. The optimization provides dramatic acceleration in 39 common usage scenarios for users of these heavily used applications.

TECH & Gadgets SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2018 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

REALME POISED TO CHALLENGE SOUTHEAST ASIAN MARKET

AKARTA—Realme, the new emerging smartphone brand that specializes in providing high quality smartphones, recently unveiled its product lineup for Southeast Asia in a launch event in Indonesia— Realme 2, and Realme 2Pro— especially designed for the youth of today. Carrying the tagline, ‘Proud to be Young’, Realme is focused on becoming a ground-breaking smartphone brand for the younger generation, bringing together best-in-class performances coupled with contemporary style. Realme sees being young as having infinite possibilities. The possibility to create, and be proud of breakthroughs; to change, and be proud of growth; to conquer, and be proud of success; and to persist, without being afraid of paving a new path. That is why the voice of the youth should be heard by the world. Combining a youthful design and competitive specs, Realme’s innovative products have inspired and attracted millions of users in India, and now its flagship products, Realme 2 and Realme 2Pro, are expected to have the same reception in Asia. Realme 2: Top Notch Screen Realme 2 has a screen size of 6.2 inches and a screen-to-body ratio as high as 88.8%. Made of 2.5D nanoscale composite material, the back cover produces a diamond-like effect of light and shadow. Realme 2 comes with a 4230mAh large battery and an AI Power Manager to provide an exceptionally long battery life of 44 hours. The rear camera features 13 million + 2 million-pixel cameras with optimized portrait mode, giving clearer profiles and a more natural bokeh background. Built with the AI Beauty 2.0 algorithm, the 8 million-pixel front camera enables differentiated beau-

Realme 2 and Realme 2Pro, are the first smartphones targeted at the youth with total solution

tification of men and women in the same photo. Available in colours such as red diamond, blue diamond, and black diamond, Realme 2 is A Notch Above most in terms of design, performance, and experience with an affordable price. The diamond-like design of Realme’s first-generation phones was well received and favoured by young consumers on social media and shopping platforms immediately upon their release. The design of Realme 2 is really ‘A Notch Above’. By adjusting the curvature of the middle frame and optimising the design details, Realme 2’s back battery cover also uses 12 layers of nanoscale sheet laminates, making it more scratch and water-resistant. Realme 2 has a 6.2-inch superview full notch screen with a resolution of 1520 × 720 and a length width ratio of 19:9. Through a more compact arrangement of the

earpiece, the front camera, and the light sensor, coupled with the ultra-narrow 2.05mm bezel and upgraded dispensing process, the screen bezel is further narrowed by 16%, achieving a screen-tobody ratio of 88.8%. Realme 2 uses a 4230mAh ultracapacity battery, with a lab-simulated calling time of up to 44 hours, music play of 18 hours under Wi-Fi, or up to 10 hours of game play. In addition to the large battery size, Realme 2 also provides an AI Power Master to further extend battery life. Realme 2 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 octa-core processor, advanced 14nm process technology, and a CPU clock speed of 1.8GHz with two storage capacity versions of 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM and 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM. Its stronger image processing and large running memory, coupled with a long battery life of 4230mAh, can run main-

stream large-scale games smoothly. Realme 2 has been further optimised in terms of its front and rear lenses. The innovative personalised beauty solution AI 2.0 delivered through the 8 million-pixel front camera can identify 296 face recognition points and, through AI algorithms, recognise the gender, age, skin tone and even skin type of characters in photos, and subsequently offer personalised beauty solutions. The main camera uses a dual camera combination of 13 million + 2 million pixels to optimise the portrait mode. The dual-camera hardware combined with the software algorithms makes the contour of the characters under Realme 2’s portrait mode clearer, the background bokeh effect more natural, and the photos more textured and layered without losing details. It supports PDAF phase focusing can effectively reduce waiting time.

AXA PH INTRODUCES ELECTRONIC POLICY

AXA Philippines, one of the leading insurers in the country, now makes it possible for customers to access a copy of their insurance policies anytime and anywhere with ePolicy. “We are happy to introduce this newest feature to our customers as it allows them to view their AXA policies at virtually anytime they wish,” said AXA Philippines president and CEO Rahul Hora. “The e-Policy is considered legal and valid with the approval of the Insurance Commission.” This new service is currently available to clients with policies issued on July 23, 2018 onwards. It is generated two days after the policy is issued - no need to wait for weeks to get a copy of the policy. A customer can save the e-Policy to his personal storage, print a hardcopy, and even email a copy to his beneficiaries. This way, there is no need to worry about lost files or bulky documents. AXA Philippines policyholders can get a copy of their AXA e-Policy simply by following these simple steps: Register an account on MyAXA portal, login to that account, and go to “My Policies” to view the contract and other documents. With internet access, customers can have easy access to their policy contractsright away. For more information, visit https://axa.com.ph/epolicy/faq or contact an AXA Philippines agent today.

HP INK TANK PRINTERS: BUY 3, GET P500 DISCOUNT

HP ink tank 415: Print virtually anywhere up to 8,000 pages of sharp colored images or 6,000 pages of dark and crisp text with HP Ink Tank All-in-One printers.

IN today’s competitive landscape, HP helps microand small-scale entrepreneurs take advantage of opportunities by helping increase their resources, scale up operations, or expand their business. From now until Oct. 31, every single sales invoice/receipt purchase of a minimum of three HP Ink Tank 315 All-in-One (AIO) printers or HP Ink Tank Wireless 415 AIO printers gives buyers a P500 discount per unit. Entrepreneurs can print virtually anywhere and enjoy high volume printing with the HP Ink Tank AIO printers as they can easily print up to 8,000 pages of sharp colored images and photos using a tri-color bottle set or 6,000 pages of dark and crisp text with an HP black ink bottle.

The HP Ink Tank 315 AIO printer can even help multi-tasking-oriented business owners as it can take on scan or copy jobs even while printing. On-the-go entrepreneurs can also remotely print from any device by connecting their smart phone or tablet to the HP Ink Tank Wireless 415 AIO printer using the HP Smart app or HP ePrint. So, what are you waiting for? Take advantage of business opportunities by getting a minimum of three HP Ink Tank 315 AIO printers or the HP Ink Tank Wireless 415 AIO printers at discounted prices. Get these AIO printers at any authorized HP resellers nationwide. Per DTI-FTEB permit number 14335 series of 2018. Visit www.8hp.com or see posters and print ads for more details.

GLOBE OFFERS IPHONE XS, XS MAX. Globe Telecom will offer Apple’s latest products starting on Oct. 26, including the iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max, the most advanced iPhones ever. Customers will be able to pre-order iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max beginning Oct. 19, at globe.com.ph/iphonexs.

GET THAT GADGET WITH HOME CREDIT’S ‘TRADE TO UPGRADE’ PROMO

Swap your mobile phone and use it as downpayment for a new one!

ONE beloved tradition that most of us love come the holiday season is exchanging gifts. Nothing says Christmas more than receiving one in exchange of a present you’ve given, but what if you actually get to choose the gift you get back? This is exactly what Home Credit Philippines’ Trade to Upgrade is currently offering—being your very own monito or monita! This latest treat from the instore loan provider lets you swap your old phone to any Home Credit store and use it as a downpayment for a new gadget. It’s perfect for those who want to treat themselves this Christmas without spending too much. This trade-in elevates HCPH’s services which cater to Filipinos who are looking for friendly and fast in-store financing options. To avail the Trade to Upgrade, a customer simply has to visit a Home Credit store offering this treat, present two IDs, and wait for 10 minutes for the result of their application. If approved,

Home Credit’s friendly sales associates will evaluate the value of your mobile phone and use it as your downpayment for a new model. Trade to Upgrade can cover a financed amount of P3,000 to 60,000 for nine to 12 months and you can also opt to add cash to the value of the mobile phone you want to swap. Check out the list below for other details about this great offering: You can swap all brands and models of mobile phones. You can still swap your phone even if it is damaged given that it is working and is an original model. You can only use one unit per transaction. Phone accessories are not included in the assessment of your unit’s value. You can add cash if the assessed value of your mobile phone is lower than the minimum downpayment amount. If you want to know more about the offering, don’t hesitate to visit any

Home Credit store and ask our friendly sales associates! Here are the stores where you can apply for Trade to Upgrade: OPPO-Fairview Terraces Mall; Vivo-Fairview Terraces Mall; Fone Style-Robinsons Antipolo; New Cellway-SM Manila; Asus-SM Valenzuela; Fone Style-Ayala Malls Feliz; Asus-Ayala Malls Feliz; Fone Style-SM Masinag; Zenfone–Glorietta; Fone Style– Glorietta; New Cellway-SM Southmall; Infinity Store-SM Taytay; Fone Style-SM Muntinlupa; Fone Style -SM Mall of Asia; Fone Style-SM Sta. Mesa; Fone Style-SM San Mateo; Fonestyle-SM Sucat; Fone Style-Robinsons Forum; Fone Style-SM North EDSA Fone Style-SM Marikina; OPPO-SM Marikina; Fone Style-SM Las Pinas; OPPO -SM East Ortigas; Fone Style-SM East Ortigas; Fone Style-SM San Lazaro; Fone Style -SM Cubao; New Cellway-SM Fairview; Sony-SM Fairview; Fone Style-SM Fairview; Fone Style-SM Bicuta

Destinations D1

sunday, october 14, 2018

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

@MStandardLIFE

Pacsafe rolls out 18 new anti-theft bags in celebration of its 20th anniversary.

LUXURiOUS LOBBY. Forbes Travel Guide has named Nüwa Manila as one of the world's most luxurious hotels following a thorough testing and review.

Nüwa MaNiLa named one of world’S moSt luxuriouS hotel

Safe travelS for 2 decadeS

AuSTRALIAN anti-theft travel equipment brand Pacsafe celebrates its 20th anniversary with 18 new styles for its fall/winter 2018 collection. From backpacks to messenger bags and portable safes, each new style is a testament to how far the brand has come.

ELCO Resorts Leisure Corp.-operated Nüwa Manila has made it in this year’s Forbes Travel Guide’s first annual Verified List of 2018’s World’s Most Luxurious Hotels. “Nüwa Manila is one of the newest and most sought-after luxury hotels in the Philippines,” Forbes said of the hotel which officially opened in 2015 as Crown Towers Manila and rebranded in 2017. The Parañaque-based luxury hotel joins the list of 58 most luxurious hotels in the world, including another property in the Philippines and Melco’s Altira Macau and Nüwa Macau. “It is a great honor for Nüwa Manila to be recognized once again by the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide, which, just a few months ago, awarded the hotel with a 5-Star rating,” enthused Kevin Benning, chief operating officer of City of Dreams Manila. In February this year, Nüwa Manila was one of the three hotels in the Philippines that received a 5-Star rating from Forbes. “In keeping with the vision and leadership of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Chairman and CEO Mr. Lawrence Ho, this achievement reflects City of Dreams Manila’s un-

wavering commitment in delivering the highest level of luxury experience and personalized service as made possible by our hardworking and dedicated management and staff. We also thank our guests for their trust and continuous patronage,” said Benning. The Most Luxurious hotel winners, Forbes said, are “the top performers in the standards that focus on sumptuous comfort, as well as extravagant choices and conveniences afforded to guests.” Nüwa Manila is one of the three luxury hotels in City of Dreams Manila. The hotel features 254 lavishly-appointed contemporary rooms, and spacious suites and villas with dedicated butler service. Facilities include the Nüwa Spa, which is awarded 4-Star and provides a pampering experience in elegant therapy rooms and spa suites within the relaxing 654-squaremeter space; a free-form swimming pool; and a fitness center with stateof-the-art Precore fitness equipment.

Stylesafe Backpack Kombu Green Nüwa Presidential Villa's master bedroom features world class amenities.

The 4-Star Nüwa Spa provides a pampering experience in elegant therapy rooms.

Crystal Dragon, one of Nüwa Manila's dining options, serves premium Cantonese and regional Chinese fare in a modern Oriental setting.

An elevated dining experience is also available at Nüwa, with The Tasting Room, offering a Michelin-star experience with contemporary French cuisine infused with Asian influences; Crystal Dragon, known for its premium Cantonese and regional Chinese fare in a modern Oriental setting; and Breezes, a poolside restaurant and bar. The Sky Gaming Lounge, a wellappointed private space on the topmost floor, on the other hand, is exclusive for Li Ying Hin VIPs. Forbes Travel Guide is a global independent rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas. It is a well-respected premium ranking for the travel and hospitality industry.

Forbes Travel Guide’s 2018 Verified Lists are compiled from data gathered by the company’s incognito inspectors, who stay at the properties and evaluate them on up to 900 standards. “These illustrious properties have been thoroughly tested and verified to ensure that they deliver luxury at every turn. We are proud to congratulate everyone associated with the prestigious properties on our Verified Lists,” said Amanda Frasier, executive vice president for ratings of Forbes Travel Guide. Visit www.cityofdreamsmanila. com or www.Nüwamanila.com for more information.

For its special 20th year release, the label rolls out two limited edition Econyl bags made from regenerated nylon waste, including discarded fishing nets, gathered from the oceans. The Citysafe CX collection now comes in Blue Orchid. Available in seven different styles, the new collection features a stylish blue and gray floral print. A favorite among professionals and travelers alike, the StyleSafe collection now comes in refreshing Kombu Green colorway. During the celebration at Megamall recently, Magnus McGlashan, Pacsafe co-founder, expressed optimism for the brand’s future in the next 20 years as the world’s leading maker of safe travel gear. Turn to D2

Beautiful villa valentino MY YOuNGEST sister, Esperanza, decidend up costing less than the total ed that after our weeklong memorable amount we would have to spend for cruise to Havana, she would again celmany rooms, if we were to stay in a hoebrate her birthday in Miami, and that tel. She came across a “Villa Valentino,” all of us from the cruise should be with located in Coconut Grove, Miami’s upher. Of course, we needed so many hoscale neighborhood, which has streets tel rooms to accommodate all 24 of us, lined with lush vegetation, and is right family members who just disembarked on the shoreline of Biscayne Bay. This mercury rising section of the city has laid-back sidefrom the Royal Caribbean ship. By BoB zozoBrado In order to save on costs, she had walk cafes and chic boutiques that cathis wonderful idea of renting, through ter to uppity-up clientele. Airbnb, a multi-room villa, instead of booking ourselves According to my sister, Airbnb listed the villa as one in separate rooms at a Miami hotel. with a Moorish Mediterranean look, and has a total of 11 She pored over the Internet to see which villa might Turn to D2

The villa’s relaxing swimming pool and Jacuzzi

Citysafe CX Blue Orchid Tote

destinations

sunday, october 14, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

safe...

from D1

travel the worlD with thai Pacsafe bags are known for their anti-theft features, such as rFId scan protection.

“Whether bags that work as portable safes, backpacks that are easy to lock yet hard to break into, or wallets that help prevent rFId scan scams, they are all designed to keep your mind at ease when out in the world, so you can do more, see more, and be more,” enthused McGlashan. Following the lead of the global Pacsafe brand, local distributor united Limsun aims to further bring Pacsafe products closer to its Filipino audience.

BUCKET LIST DESTINATIONS. explore some of the world's best destinations with a special fare promotion Mastercard and thai airways offer.

thai airways flies to several destinations around the world.

raVeLInG has become a major part of Filipinos’ lives as an exciting and insightful activity, and a way to break away from the monotony that usually occupies our every day.

Mastercard lets people explore the world and collect priceless memories with one-of-a-kind experiences and great offers. It also provides safety and security features that ensure protection for all electronic transactions, so explorers can have the peace of mind to freely enjoy their every adventure. aside from partnerships with leading merchants in top destinations across the world, Mastercard has teamed up with thai airways for an exclusive fare promotion. those who would like to check off a few

stylesafe tote Kombu Green

dustin Lim, chief executive officer of united Limsun International trading corporation shares, “For the past decade, Pacsafe has been well received by Filipinos. We have also acquired a good number of loyal followers. our next goal is to make the brand omnipresent in all malls and strengthen our online presence, making the brand more accessible to our customers.” according to Lim, at present, there are seven Pacsafe stores, and it is available in 33 major department stores and 133 multi-brand chains.

more destinations on their bucket lists can safely and seamlessly plan it using their Mastercard to book flights through travel with thai, available today until oct. 21. travel period is from today to March 31, 2019. Learn more about traveling with Mastercard at the thai airways travel Fair, happening today at shangri-La Plaza’s Grand atrium. Log on to www.thaiairways.com.ph to book online, call Thai Airways Ticketing Reservations at (02) 580-8424, or drop them an email at rsvn. mnl@thaiairways.com.

Frolic on the beaches of sunny australia.

spend a weekend shopping and dining in Hong Kong.

Pacsafe Vibe backpack econyl

beautiful... from D1

rudolf Valentino’s bedroom which was mine for 3 days. notice the door leading to the wide-open veranda and another door to the adjoining room.

the simple, yet elegant, dining room.

bedrooms—six in the main villa and five in the guest house behind it—with eight bathrooms, a large swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, and parking for several cars. With such description and after the corresponding cost was considered, my sister right away knew it was the villa for us. When we got to this beautiful, luxurious accommodation, which sits on top of a large coral rock, the caretaker gathered all of us in the huge living room and gave us additional details. It has centralized airconditioning, a library, and sitting rooms. Wi-Fi is very strong whichever part of the main villa or the guest house you are in. all bedrooms and living rooms have 60-inch widescreen cable tV. He also pointed out the attractive hand-painted, beamed, very high cypress ceiling in the living room, the fully equipped kitchen, washing machine and dryer, and the grand dining room. He also encouraged us to make use of the al fresco eating area which has fully equipped barbecue facilities. but what floored almost all of us, particularly the elder ones, was when he declared that the villa was the former residence of the silent-movie-era legendary star, rudolf Valentino, thus, the villa’s name. We never associated it with the movie star. We thought the name was just a description to further “romanticize” the

villa’s unique Moroccan architecture. at first, we thought he was just joking, but he started to give us more details on when the screen star stayed in the villa, the parties he would host, his favorite room, etc. that’s when we realized he was telling the truth, which made us even more excited about staying in such luxurious accommodations. the caretaker told us that this villa was actually Valentino’s vacation house. after doing a movie in Los angeles, where his main residence/villa was, he would fly to Miami to rest and party with his friends. Knowing of the house’s affinity with its owner who has been long dead, I asked

YOUR weekend CHUCkLe Food For tHouGHt: If you’re waiting to be served in a restaurant, shouldn’t you be called the “waiter?”

the caretaker if there were reports of supernatural incidents in it, and he assured all of us there were none. of course, when my sister assigned us to the different bedrooms, I made sure I got the master’s bedroom, Valentino’s room. It has a king-size bed with six pillows, which I learned was exactly the way he wanted his bed. a door beside it leads to a spacious veranda, complete with lounging chairs, and which is overlooking the famous south bayshore drive.

originally built in 1910, Villa Valentino has been restored and upgraded to fit the needs of today’s travelers. but the current owner, who lives in australia, made sure that Valentino’s favorite parts of the house have been maintained, like his bedroom, the study, the living, and dining rooms. Who would think that we—a middle class cebuano family, now residing in some of the world’s major capitals, familiar and schooled with the ways of the noble and the elite, but still with the heart of a “probinsyano”—had the opportunity to live in luxurious comfort for three days, in this iconic Miami villa owned by Hollywood’s legendary star of silent movies? this certainly was an added highlight to our cuban cruise which, in itself, was already very memorable for us. but the best part about this whole experience was that we had the whole family to share the fun, the excitement, and the pleasure with. the cuban cruise and the stay at Villa Valentino certainly made for the best birthday celebration any of us siblings could ever have. now, my siblings and I are checking our respective bucket lists to see which other destination in the world could provide another exciting and fun locale for our large family next year. I’m curious about the northern Lights. What do you think? For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com.

Entertainment

FIVE SWOON-WORTHY KOREAN ACTORS T

TO WATCH OUT FOR

HE Hallyu fever continues to spread as your favorite Korean stars take over Viu. Enjoy all your favorite Korean series anytime whether it be romcom, drama, thriller, or variety shows - on this new digital platform for Asian video content.

Jung Joon Hyung Watch Jung Joon Hyung and the rest of the cast of 2 Days 1 Night as they travel all over South Korea, taking on missions to earn rewards and avoid punishments. The funny antics and random conversations in this reality-variety show will surely make you laugh and entice you to visit South Korea. For drama fans, catch him as an aspiring musician in The Lover, a modern day drama about different couples living in one apartment complex. Jung Joon Hyung is also one of the K-Inspirations of the upcoming show Hello K-Idol on Viu, a Filipino Viu Original reality online talent search Korean Idol.

Here’s a list of five swoon-worthy Korean actors that make streaming on Viu more enjoyable: Cha Eunwoo He portrays a smart, rich, and handsome university student who is emotionally burdened in My ID is Gangnam Beauty. Based on a webtoon, this ongoing drama series is about how physical appearance can heavily influence young people’s lives. Don’t forget to check out My Best Hit, where Cha Eunwoo plays as an idol who is forced by his agency to claim someone else’s work as his own.

Kang Daniel It’s Dangerous Beyond the Blankets stars Kang Daniel and other famous celebrities. This variety show features “home buddies” moving in together, accomplishing simple tasks, or even doing nothing just to prove that staying in can be fun too.

Lee Seung Gi His variety and drama shows are just daebak! Watch him as he learns the wisdom of experts in various fields in All the Butlers. Don’t forget to catch him inProduce 101, a survival reality show where 11 out of 101 female trainees from various entertainment companies will be selected to form a single unit. Yook Sung Jae Full of curiosity about their lives, Yook Sung Jae and three other boys head to find their master to learn things and get answers in All the Butlers. In Goblin, he plays a spoiled grandson of an old man who is only a rich tycoon on paper but a goblin’s servant in reality. You can also catch him in Nine Plus Nine Boys and Get Married 4. Also, Yook Sung Jae is one of in the upcoming show Hello K-Idol on Viu, a Filipino Viu Original reality online talent search Korean Idol. Fangirl over these stars and catch their awesome shows on Viu, powered by Globe. Get free Internet for endless K-Drama on Viu with Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi. Load HomeSurf15 and get 1GB for P15 plus free internet for Viu that won’t eat up your data. You can get free internet for Viu with all HomeSurf promos from Aug. 15 to Nov. 15. By giving customers free access to videos on Viu, Globe further strengthens its #PlayItRight advocacy and reminds the public that content is best watched using legitimate sources and recognized streaming platforms only. Download Viu from the App Store or Google Play Store today. Stay updated on the latest news by following Globe on Facebook and Twitter.

ALDEN RICHARDS’‘ADRENALINE RUSH’

CONCERT TO AIR ON SNBO

FOLLOWING the success of his second major concert Adrenaline Rush, Alden Richards will once again take over Sunday Night Box Office (SNBO) as GMA Network airs its replay tonight. His fans will have a chance to relive the excitement as he opens his concert with a powerful number with “Love Never Felt So Good,” followed by a rousing parkour-inspired choreography where he will also perform Victor Magtanggol’s theme song “Superhero Mo” with Ex-Battalion. Viewers will get to experience how Kapuso heartthrobs Rodjun Cruz and Ruru Madrid heated up the stage with Alden as the three of them channel their inner Magic Mike. The boys of One Up, meanwhile, will add a sweet charm to the stage with their boy

band medley. Through his own rendition of the songs “I Will Be Here,” “Salamat,” “Keep Holding On,” and some of his favorite worship songs, Alden will extend his love and gratitude towards the fans who continue to support him. Meanwhile, a heart-warming surprise welcomed the Kapuso star when he returned to the stage as the crowd expressed their affection through a fan project, raising banners that read “Hanggang sa dulo”. Singing his top hits like “Wish I May” and “God Gave Me You” became more meaningful, as the gesture establishes an unspoken promise of continuous love and support. One of the show’s highlights is his first performance of “Kapag Malapit

Ka,” a single from his new album under GMA Records, Until I See You Again. As the night grows deeper, viewers will have more to look forward to such as the dance showdown between Alden and Betong Sumaya; his Aegis medley with Concert Comedy Queen Ai Ai delas Alas; and a powerful duet with Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. Directed by GB Sampedro with Marc Lopez as musical director, part of the concert’s ticket sales will go to the charitable projects of GMA Kapuso Foundation. Directed for television by Mark Reyes and presented by GMA Network and GMA Records, Alden Richards: Adrenaline Rush airs tonight after Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.

Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto otherwise known as JoshLia

JOSHLIA’S ‘I LOVE YOU HATER’ NOW ON KBO JOSHLIA fans are sure to swoon all over again as the tandem’s Star Cinema movie, I Love You, Hater, premieres on television this weekend on KBO. In the romcom, Joshua Garcia plays Joko, a young man who is only trying to help his family survive, while Julia Barretto plays Zoey, a girl out to prove herself to the world. An opportunity knocks for both when Kris Aquino, who plays Sasha, starts looking for a new personal assistant. But only one can get the job. Joko goes all out to earn the post, and even pretends to be gay to get closer to his potential boss. Will their own goals prevail? Or will they set aside their differences and find true happiness and love in the end? I Love You, Hater is the fast rising love team’s fourth movie in just two years since being paired together. This film also marks the comeback of Kris Aquino and is only the second directorial film of Gisele Andres. Joining I Love You, Hater today are Da One That Ghost Away, Woke Up Like This, Die Beautiful, and 10000 Hours. Simply register using any prepaid or postpaid SIM. For prepaid, just load up (Globe, TM, Smart, Sun, TNT) with P30; press the green / INFO button on your TVplus box remote to get your box ID; then text KBO30 OCT13 <TVplus box ID> to 2366.

MIKEE JOINS DREW IN ‘AHA: SHOOKTOBER SPECIALS’ TODAY AHA! brings viewers another episode in its monthlong celebration of mystery, horror and knowledge with AHA: Shooktober Specials. Specials Today’s episode features an ancestral brick house in Pampanga that is supposed to be inhabited by ghosts. According to the owner, they’ve grown accustomed to the ghostly sightings, and besides, only visitors of the house are disturbed by these playful spirits. How true are these stories? Onanay star Mikee Quintos joins AHA! in investigating this matter. Meanwhile, what would you do if some elemental or otherworldly creature make an appearance in one of your photos? A family allegedly caught a ‘tiyanak’ photobombing their selfie. What message do they wish to convey? Science and learning can be fun with AHA!, AHA! hosted by Drew Arellano, Sundays at 8:15 am on GMA 7.

sunday, october 14, 2018

Desiree Carlos, Editor

Pets

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

skin disorders in pets and how to treat theM By Maria Michele Canlas-Cordova

(Last part)

HERE are more skin problems that can be contracted by your pet and cause dis-ease and even death. The best prevention to keep your pet and his/her environment clean. It is also important to observe your pets and to seek medical advice when a problem is observed. Here are the other skin disorders or skin problems: 4.Fungal (yeast) infection Signs: -itchy skin -hair loss -crust formation -stinky smell or foul odor -reddening or inflamed skin -lesion Cause: -fungus growth due to weak immune system -molds found in the surroundings -diseases and stress Treatment: a. Topical -trim the fur so that the affected skin can easily be seen -apply TOPICAL anti-fungal cream or Scavon -use providone iodine b. Oral -vet-prescribed oral fungal medicine 5.Allergic Dermatitis (allergic reactions) Signs: -itchy parts of the body -swollen parts of the body Cause: Allergic reaction to food (most often to chicken or sea food like crabs and shrimp), a certain soap, shampoo, cologne, medicine and other things in the surroundings like pollens or any type of allergens Insect bites can also cause this. Please check the skin if there is a lesion due to an insect bite. Treatment: a. Topical -creams or gel -apple cider vinegar (diluted in water) -coco nectar b.Oral -antihistamine (as prescribed by the vet based on weight) -immune system booster c. Injectable

Mango, a rescued dog who is now 10 years old, has a history of demodectic mange. During two mange flare-ups, he had bald spots and wounds that were bleeding due to too much scratching, and some parts of the body were already black. Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL), an animal welfare group which pulled out Mango from the kill pound (dogs are put to sleep after three days if not claimed by the owner) in December 2013, had him treated by the vet and now maintains his immune system strong by giving nutritious food appropriate for his age (no table food), an immune system booster and coco nectar. He is given a bath once a week using a soap that prevents mange flare-ups and an anti-tick and flea shampoo after. To prevent depression which also triggers mange flare-ups, he is allowed to run free in the garden.

-for severe allergic reaction . The vet will inject an anti-allergy drug. Note: Please never think allergies are normal. It could lead to death especially when the air passage closes. Please have your pet treated by the vet immediately. Identify the allergen to prevent a recurrence. 6.Impedigo Sign: -pus-filled bump or blister Cause: -bacteria Often, when the skin is exposed to urine, the pet is infected with bacteria. Puppies or kittens who lie down lay on areas that have urine residue are most often the victims of this skin issue or animals that do not have enough space to move around. Treatment: a.Topical -apply providone iodine on blisters (thin layer)but put an e-collar on your pet if the pet can reach that part of the body and lick it. -anti bacterial cream or ointments (as prescribed) b. Oral: -for severe cases, vet-prescribed antibiotics -immune system booster supplements Note: Always clean the area where dogs and cats stay. Clean all areas of urine and poop. Use animal-friendly or natural disinfectant if possible in the said areas.

Wash the body part that was exposed to urine and poop.

Signs: -ticks and fleas cause lesions and wounds -these pests cause dogs and cats to scratch -hair loss -anemia and blood parasitism - paralysis Note: This can lead to death if not treated soon. Cause: -parasites that can be contracted from other dogs and cats or a place with ticks and fleas. Treatment: a.Topical -Trim the fur to expose the skin and to easily see the parasites. -Gently pull ticks out with tweezers. - Please make sure not to squeeze the blood out of the fleas and ticks because this will only spread the eggs. -Put ticks and fleas in a jar with alcohol or a strong dishwashing liquid mixed with a little water to kill them. -Use providone iodine on lesions -Use food grade diatomaceous earth or natural topical powder for the body, not other harsh and harmful powder. -DO NOT use anti-tick and flea collars. -You may spray or wipe a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water on the body to keep the skin and hair tick-free. -NEVER use Sevin or Washout or Ivermectin Wash as these damage the liver and can poison your furbabies. b. Oral and Injectable - This is the last course of action if topical treatment will not work - Always use a liver supplement when choosing this option. - The vet must administer this because this should be well calculated and the result must be monitored.

7. Seborrhea Signs: -oily or greasy skin -dandruff on different areas of the body Cause: -hereditary -allergic reaction -weak immune system Treatment: a. Topical -Medicated bath (Use shampoo specifically for seborrhea. Please ask your vet.) -diluted apple cider vinegar applied on the skin b. Oral -Antibiotics prescribed by vet if with lesions (wounds) -Immune system booster supplements -ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate -coco nectar About the author: Maria Michele Canlas Cordova is a graduate of BSC 8. Ringworm Management from the College of Signs: the Holy -circular red spots Spirit, an -itchy parts entre-scales and dry skin preneur, -hair loss on affected part founder Cause: of animal -Fungus welfare Treatment: group a. Topical Furbabies -cream or ointment specifically TLC, and for fungal infection mother to four 9. Illness caused by ticks and a n i m a l fleas like tick fever or erlichia rescuers

Condo dwellers urged to be responsible pet owners THE country’s first Quadruple A developer, DMCI Homes, has linked hands with animal welfare advocates to promote responsible pet ownership in its condominium communities. Last Sept. 23, DMCI Homes invited the Philippine Animal Rescue Team (PART) to its Stellar Place property in Visayas Avenue, Quezon City to educate residents not only on the proper handling of their pet dogs and cats but also on the appropriate way of dealing with stray animals. During the seminar, Stellar Place unit owners were encouraged to address their pets’ physical, social, emotional and mental well-being by giving them adequate sustenance, proper shelter, medical care and daily exercise. “Your needs are similar to your pets’ needs. So it’s just like taking care of a child and if your dogs are seniors, it’s like taking care of your old parents,” said Rowena Suzara, PART executive director. Suzara also introduced the trapneuter- return (TNR) program to prevent overpopulation of stray animals in the property. The cats are spayed

Dr. May Javier administers the anti-rabies vaccination of pet dogs in DMCI Homes’ Stellar Place community in Visayas Avenue, Quezon City.

or neutered and then returned to the place. This means the cats will still have a place to stay but will no longer reproduce. “We have to learn to co-exist with animals. As humans, we need space. We need land. It’s the same thing with animals,” Suzara said. The UP-MMDA Vanguard K9 Corps, on the other hand, demonstrated ba-

sic obedience training for pet dogs as part of the group’s advocacy to raise disaster awareness. The group, which is composed of volunteer canine enthusiasts, trains owners and their pet dogs to be able responders in the event of a disaster, particularly during a strong earthquake. “Our group is a group of volunteers

who train regularly and vigorously to be good in search and rescue. We’re dog enthusiasts with the desire to help other people and their dogs to be ready in case a ‘big one’ happens or a disaster happens,” explained Pat Aquino, one of the group’s members who also brought her 4-year-old Belgian Malinois during the seminar. May Javier, the condo’s resident veterinarian and a member of the UP-MMDA Vanguard K9 Corps, led the anti-rabies vaccination for dogs of unit owners. On the same day, unit owners paraded their pet dogs in their costumes during the “Furry Fashionista.” “I learned a lot from the seminar like the proper way of handling a leash, the proper care when my dogs get sick and also basic obedience training,” said Larraine Joyce Solis whose shih tzu, Flower, won first place in the dog fashion show. Just like in every DMCI Homes community, Stellar Place allows unit owners to have a total of two pet dogs or cats that weigh less than 25 pounds and standing 15 inches in height when full-grown. JC B. Ruiz

My Furry Bestie THIS corner features pets of animal lovers every week. We hope new owners and those thinking of getting a pet will be encouraged to be responsible “furparents” through these features. We also hope more people will be moved to be kind to animals when they read about the great relationship that can be created between humans and animals. For contributions, please email to daycarlos28@yahoo.com and put My Furry Bestie as subject.

CHIPPO, a 10-month old male mixed corgi- poodle, saved the life of his owner, Irene Flores Barroga. Irene recalls: “One time, when I was in a deep sleep, I had bangungot and I could not move my body. I then heard and felt CHIPPO jumping on my bed. He began to lick my hands until little by little, I could move my body.” Irene, 51, has a heart ailment. She stresses: “If not for him, I might not be alive today.” “I now call him my nurse, because when I am sick, he stays by my side, " Irene says.

CHUCHU and another dog were tied to a mango tree outside his former owner’s house when Richelle Salac Cajala saw them. Richelle would feed strays while bringing out her niece on a stroller. She was then on vacation in her home town to take care of her mother who had an operation. During these walks, CHUCHU and the other dog would bark at her, asking for food. She befriended the owner so that she can feed them. She cried when she found out CHUCHU had no name. The owner told her they thought he had a breed when they bought him. When they realized he is an aspin or asong Pinoy, they left him tied outside the house. While feeding the dogs, she would call the dog “tsu.. tsu.. “ to which the dog responded so she called the dog ChuChu because her nickname is CheChe. One day she saw CHUCHU shaking and asked the owner to allow her to have the dog treated in Manila. “I borrowed him from the owner. In Manila, I had him treated. I also treated his wounds and removed all the ticks and fleas. He got well and became healthy and happy, “ Richelle recalls. Richelle adds: “I thought ‘Why would I return this poor dog if he will only be treated in the same way?’ So when I went back to the owner, I told the owner the dog needs maintenance care. The owner did not want to provide the said care to the dog and allowed me to keep him.” It has been three years since Richelle got CHUCHU and he is now her “shadow” as he follows her everywhere. “Rescue a dog and the dog will love you for the rest of his life,” Richelle says. Editor’s Note: These stories were compiled by Miks Lim, admin of animal welfare group Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL) which urges humans to be kind to animals, to help animals in need, to adopt from shelters and pounds and not buy pets, and to spay or neuter their pets to help control animal population in the country, among others.